The growing belief that the Gold Coast SUNS can contend for an AFL premiership in the next three years is one of the main reasons behind the heavy influx of contract re-signings that have taken place at Metricon Stadium this year, according to midfielder Dion Prestia.

“That’s why all the boys have signed on this year – because we trust we can win a flag in the next few years,” Prestia said.

The 21-year-old is the latest Gold Coaster to refuse testing his value in the open market at season’s end, re-committing to the club until the end of 2016.

While the possibility to return to Melbourne to play for a Victorian-based AFL team briefly interested the emerging star, the side’s recent performances against Geelong and Hawthorn convinced the pocket rocket the Gold Coast SUNS are building towards something special.

“I did consider going back to Melbourne to be closer to my family, but I made the decision to stay here because we’re confident we can win a flag in the couple of years.”

With Zac Smith, Trent McKenzie, Seb Tape, Jack Martin, Rory Thompson, Charlie Dixon, Jesse Lonergan, Jackson Allen, Clay Cameron and Henry Schade having also re-committed to the club beyond 2013, Prestia said it was encouraging to know GC SUNS List Manager Scott Clayton and Football Operations Manager Marcus Ashcroft had a clear vision in their sights.

“It’s great to see them all sign on because we all know where we are heading and I know where the club is heading as well,” he said.

With the side only two premiership wins outside the top 8, Prestia said a finals berth this year was no longer seemed too far-fetched for the Gold Coasters.

“We’re going pretty good and are 4-6 at the moment, so we’re pretty confident we can push towards a top 8 finish this year,” Prestia said.

“We just need to make sure we’re winning the games we have to and challenging those teams that are pushing for that last spot in the finals race.”

“Regardless, we’ll certainly be a good force for the next few years.”