A new wave of Suns talent
‘No risk’ choosing interstate juniors, says Coast list boss
SUNS football manager Jon Haines has backed Gold Coast to retain the interstate players drafted to the club.
Haines said the changes made across the football department and wider club will ensure South Australians Jack Lukosius (pick 2), Izak Rankine (pick 3), Jez McLennan (pick 23) and Victorian Ben King (pick 6) connect with the Suns and avoid attempting to leave in the coming years.
“We don’t think (there is a risk) at all,” Haines said.
“We made a deliberate strategy to bring in good role models and characters in the draft.
“We knew going into this draft we had good selections at the high end of the draft and we wanted to make sure they came into an environment that would provide them with the best opportunity possible.
“We are confident the players already here are driven to provide the right mentoring for the right draftees.
“Also, the changes we have made while restructuring our footy department, both in terms of design and personnel, we are well placed to put together a great program and environment.
“The external commentary doesn’t affect our thinking.
“We are trying to build the club the right way and create an environment where players are challenged but enjoy themselves.
“We want it to be a place they are deeply connected to.
“We want our staff and players to believe in something bigger than themselves and I’m confident the players we have brought in will make a super contribution to that.”
Haines said the Suns didn’t aim to bring in multiple South Australians in the hope of helping the club retain the group.
“There was no consideration in that regard,” Haines said.
“The took the boys exactly where we rated them, it didn’t matter where they were from.”