The Gold Coast SUNS are training harder than ever before according to Danny Stanley, with the midfielder spotting a significant difference in the player’s endurance this summer. 

“The boys have taken another step forward again, especially in terms of their intensity and running, which has been delegated by Stephen Schwerdt who has made a conscious effort to catch up to the rest of the competition,” Stanley said.

“They’re certainly looking forward to producing a big 2014.”

Stanley, a former Collingwood player who is entering his seventh AFL campaign, is one of several GC SUNS stars who have passed the 50-game mark during their time with the club.

The 25-year-old said while no one from the coaching staff had discussed him taking on a leadership role, he'd definitely consider it if an approach was made.

"I see myself as a leader of this football club but, in saying that, there are a lot of young guys who could do that as well," he said. 

Stanley also praised the level-headedness of fellow midfield accomplice Karmichael Hunt, who has impressed coaching and development staff with his continued improvement since the start of Pre-Season training. 

"K's pretty laid back and nothing seems to faze him," Stanley said.

"We haven't noticed anything as players. He just goes about it the way he usually does and he's been attacking training like he normally would."