He’s been the club’s leading goal-kicker and he has more than held his own in defence, but in 2013 Danny Stanley surfaced as one of the Gold Coast SUNS leading midfielders.

After hamstring tendonitis kept Karmichael Hunt at bay, head coach Guy McKenna called upon his experienced utility to play more of a defensive role on-ball – a positioning switch that would reap a number of rewards. 

A hardworking ball-winner with the discipline to stay close to his man, Stanley has been a valuable asset for McKenna this season.

For most, tagging the opposition’s most dangerous midfielder every week can take a serious mental and physical toll on the body. For Stanley, the challenges that come with the role are too great to pass up. 

Scott Pendlebury, Patrick Dangerfield and Trent Cotchin are just a few of the opponents Stanley has rubbed shoulders with this season – including a best-on-ground performance against Chris Judd, where he kept the dual Brownlow Medallist to just 18 disposals in Round 18. 

In an exclusive with goldcoastfc.com.au, Stanley said he enjoyed taking on the competition’s biggest stars. 

“I have been playing through the midfield which is where I want to play,” he said.

“I’ve had a few roles on bigger opponents and a few shut down roles that seemed to go okay, so I’m looking forward to some more time in the midfield next year as well.”

The rejuvenated midfielder said it was pleasing the playing group were able to finish the Premiership fixture with confidence heading into next year.

“It is good to finish the season on a high and a good result like that will hold us in good stead for next year,” Stanley said.

“We played four quarters of good footy and that’s what we wanted to do. We didn’t want to let them into the game at all and I don’t think they did get a sniff.

“Our pressure and intensity at the ball was outstanding and we wanted to make it like a finals type atmosphere from our side of things and I think we did that.”