Fresh off returning from the club’s New Zealand pre-season camp, SUNS coach Stuart Dew is pleased with how his team is progressing at the conclusion of the first phase of pre-season. 

The six-day camp to Queenstown was the last formal event on the club’s pre-season calendar before the Christmas break, but that hasn’t stopped some of the players from hitting the gym since returning.

“(The) attitude and approach and execution has probably summed up the whole pre-season,” Dew told SUNS TV.

“Everything we’ve asked of them they’ve done and I think we’ve lifted some guys and they’ve improved their workload in a really safe way.

“(The) mental (aspect) has been the one that they’ve appreciated the challenge and different program and I think they’ll grow from that.”

With 13 new players and five new coaches, the camp was the perfect opportunity for players and staff to bond in an unfamiliar environment. 

“Clearly (it’s a) spectacular venue and a little bit different climate obviously than what we’re used to so that was one major reason for coming here,” Dew said.

“But obviously just to get the group really close and accelerate that with so many different people.

“I think when we see them at the club they come in and they go, but I think to have that 24-hour environment, it’s a good opportunity for them to get to know each other a little bit differently and mix with different players.”

While Dew stopped short of naming any standout players from the pre-season so far, he did express his satisfaction with how quickly the group were able to unite.

“Everyone’s been a bit of a standout in their own ways,” Dew said.

“The new players, obviously the way they’ve come into the group, both via trade and draft.

“But also the players that have been here, the way they’ve accepted those players and let them be themselves and I think that’s the sign of a good football club.”

The entire football department will break over Christmas before returning on January 10 to resume phase two of pre-season training.

Dew and the rest of the football club would like to wish all members and fans a Merry Christmas and relaxing holiday period.

“Have a great time with family and friends, have a safe new year and look forward to Gold Coast SUNS round one next year.”