New Gold Coast SUNS NEAFL coach Stephen Daniel says it is crucial to improve the synergy between the listed players and top-up players in the reserves in order to achieve success in 2016.
 
With wholesale changes common for the SUNS reserves, and typically on a weekly basis, a constant challenge for Gold Coast at NEAFL level is building cohesion and find an understanding of how each player operates.
 
“I suppose the big importance for me – obviously we have a lot of top-up players – so it’s mainly getting the listed players working with the top-up players to try and get the results we’re trying to look for,” Daniel told SUNS TV.
 
“The results of course are development and making sure we all work together as one so I’m very big on that, so that’s what I’ll be trying to push.”
 
Before leading Labrador to this year’s QAFL premiership, Daniel carved out a long and decorated career as a coach in country Victoria at Goulburn Valley clubs Tatura and Seymour, as well as spending time at VFL side Northern Bullants.
 
Daniel has spent the last couple of seasons working closely with the Gold Coast academy in a welfare and mentoring role, which has seen him assist young players with their training, football and school workloads to ensure they are getting the most out of themselves and not burning the candle at both ends.
 
“I’ve been working with the academy which has been great with ‘Torns’ (Academy Manager Jason Torney) and ‘Roger’ (Academy Coach Aaron Rogers) and working with the welfare and the younger kids coming through and that’s been really exciting in itself so it’s been great,” Daniel said.
 
“Yeah it’s been great (working with the SUNS list) because I’ve been lucky enough to work with the young talent the last couple of years through the academy and my role there with welfare so really looking forward to it."