Former Sydney Swan Nick Malceski is confident of playing finals in 2015 and ultimately winning a premiership with his new Gold Coast teammates.
Malceski, 30, signed a three-year deal with the SUNS last week as an unrestricted free agent and spoke to the media on Monday for the first time since his move.
The All-Australian said financial security was one reason for his switch, but the hunger to succeed with a young team was a driving force in his move north.
"I'm obviously sad to leave the Swans, but very excited about the challenge and opportunity at Gold Coast," Malceski told reporters at Burleigh Heads.
"The club is looking to make finals next year and I believe in the list we've got and the talent we've got that we can make finals next year and really push in the next couple of years for a premiership."
Malceski won a premiership with the Swans in 2012 and was one of their few good players in this year's Grand Final loss against Hawthorn.
He said the chance to be a leader in a young group was appealing to him.
SUNS captain Gary Ablett, also 30, is the only player on the SUNS list older than Malceski, while Michael Rischitelli (28), Greg Broughton (28), Jarrod Harbrow (26) and Danny Stanley (26) are the only other players over 24.
"They're young and probably lacking a little leadership and hopefully I can bring a bit of experience," he said.
"They are a talented list and have a lot of round-one draft picks. Hopefully I can bring my attributes and help them.
"They're really competitive. Their contested footy is really good. Why they bought me in was for leadership and my ball use.
"I'm sure in the pre-season that's one thing they'll really focus in on, just polishing up that skill."
Malceski came to the Gold Coast on Saturday with his wife and young son to look for rentals.
He said the fact the SUNS were currently without a coach was of no concern to him and was confident the club would appoint the right man to replace Guy McKenna.