Matthew Primus will return to AFL football in 2013 with the former Port Adelaide coach appointed as the Gold Coast SUNS midfield assistant.

The SUNS had expressed interest in adding more experience to their coaching panel, and during the past few weeks had held talks with both Primus and former Carlton Coach Brett Ratten.

Matthew spoke exclusively to goldcoastfc.com.au about his reasons for signing with the Gold Coast SUNS.

I'm really looking forward to joining the Gold Coast and continuing my coaching career.

“It was great to have the Gold Coast SUNS show interest in having me join their coaching staff and looking at their list, it’s clear they have a great bunch of young players and I am certainly looking forward to working with them when pre season training gets under way, everyone who knows me knows I love coaching and I love teaching, so this is a great opportunity.” Primus said.

A significant reason in the GC SUNS decision to go with Primus was the experience and guidance he will be able to pass onto the clubs big group of young ruckmen.

Watching from a far, they have been doing some good work up on the Gold Coast and the opportunity to work in a different culture and in a new environment is certainly something I am looking forward to.

"The SUNS provide a fantastic opportunity and I can't wait to join Guy and the rest of the coaching staff up on the Gold Coast to play my role in assisting in the continued development of the club and it’s players.”

The two-time Australian player and Port Adelaide Club Champion is excited by what he has seen of the Gold Coast and believes the future looks bright for the young SUNS.

I'm confident that the SUNS are heading in the right direction, the team finished off the year extremely well and enter the 2013 season with momentum which should give the playing group a lot of self belief.

Mathew will join the Gold Coast SUNS prior to the clubs altitude training camp in Arizona on October 28th.