It has taken time, but the defensive unit at Metricon Stadium is on path to entering the top bracket in the competition.
 
The poaching of 2014 All Australian Nick Malceski and the unearthing of hidden gem Adam Saad are proving to be pivotal parts of an arsenal from backwards of centre.
 
When you now consider the Gold Coast SUNS back-six, it is hard not to think of destructive left footed ball users who have the potential to cut opposition sides apart.
 
Think Steven May. Think Trent McKenzie. Think Saad, Malceski and budding star Kade Kolodjashnij.
 
But one man who should not to be counted out of Gold Coast’s new era of attacking from defence is Greg Broughton. And, on the back of Friday night’s performance against Brisbane, the shut-down specialist has mounted a strong case for an inclusion in Rodney Eade’s round one side.
 
Whilst it is advantageous to have polished ball users coming out of the back half, it is vital to have defenders who can nullify opposition forwards. Broughton’s competitive streak drew praise from Eade following his blanketing of Brisbane pocket rocket Josh Green, who was restricted to just eight disposals, one behind and minimal impact on Friday night.

VIDEO: See what Rodney Eade had to say to the media following the SUNS draw with Brisbane

“From his performance today he’s played himself right into contention for round one,” Eade told the media following the SUNS’ draw with Brisbane in their final NAB Challenge game.
 
“I must admit from an outsider’s point of view I’ve always rated him, even when he was at Freo. I thought he was a good competitor, I thought he was a very good mark – he probably hasn’t marked as much here.
 
“He’s not quick, but a couple of times on Josh Green, in a one-on-one situation in space, he was able to neutralise and win the ball. And that’s what you know he is – he’s a great competitor.”
 
With exceptional ball users aplenty inside defensive 50, Broughton’s kicking efficiency can be made to look worse than what it actually is. He may not have a shoe like Malceski, but then again, not many in the game do.
 
Eade acknowledged that Broughton needs to improve his disposal, but his hard-nosed approach to football is very attractive to the coaching staff.
 
“Obviously parts of his game he’s got to keep working on, like his ball use and that sort of thing,” Eade said.
 
“But he is a competitor, he’s tough. He’s the sort of player the coaches like because of that attribute.”