Andrew Raines may have only spent one season at the Gold Coast SUNS, but his impact was profound on a young, impressionable playing list. Renowned for his elite preparation, both in terms of training and game day, it was little surprise the veteran midfielder was named the SUNS most professional player for 2015.
 
After six years at Richmond, and then a further five at the Brisbane Lions, Raines’ football odyssey returned to the city where it all started more than a decade ago. Supporting the NEAFL side and improving the standards around the place were two of the main factors behind Raines’ recruitment in last December’s rookie draft.
 
Six senior games in the middle of the year was a bonus for the elite operator. And some of his efforts in those games suggested he still had what it took to contribute at the highest level, despite the once speedy onballer losing a yard or two of pace from his prime.
 
His best showing in red and gold fabric was in his maiden appearance for the SUNS against Adelaide at Metricon Stadium in round six. After carving out a niche as a tagger, Raines returned to that duty for Rodney Eade, blanketing Brownlow medal fancy Patrick Dangerfield in a dependable performance, holding the Crows star to just 17 possessions – his second lowest tally for the entire year.
 
In round 11, Raines did another job on one of the competition’s elite midfielders, this time in the form of Fremantle ball magnet Lachie Neale. He restricted his influence in the wet at Metricon Stadium, as well as booting two first half goals of his own to help keep Gold Coast within touching distance of the ladder leaders.
 
In the second half of the year, Raines was a picture of consistency in the NEAFL, regularly gathering high 20s to be one of Josh Fraser’s best contributors. Although it wasn’t his pure numbers that were of most value in the reserves, Raines ability to galvanise a makeshift group comprised of academy products and Southport top-up players, was invaluable. He was the ultimate leader, drawing praise from Fraser on a handful of occasions across the entire campaign.
 
At 29, Raines retires with some football in the tank, but the knowledge his body has wrung out every last drop that he can. His next chapter appears destined to remain in football, and with his application and attention to detail, you get a strong sense he will be well suited to a role in some form of coaching.