Lachie Weller declares his interest in becoming a leader at the Gold Coast Suns

LACHIE Weller has voiced his desire to become a leader at the Suns in his second year back on the Gold Coast.

LACHIE Weller has voiced his desire to become a leader at the Suns in his second year back on the Gold Coast.

Weller’s return to the Gold Coast from Fremantle drew widespread attention in 2018 as he went against the tide of players looking for the exit.

The 22-year-old said he spent his first season back working on building bonds with staff and players at Gold Coast’s Carrara base and had put the onus on himself to have a greater influence on the young list.

“The first year was about learning about new players and building relationships,” Weller said.

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“This year we have had a massive turnover so there is some of that again but I feel a lot more comfortable.

“I want to take on more of a leadership role and really voice my opinion this year now that I have had a year of sitting back and seeing how things work.”

Gold Coast Suns player Lachie Weller. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Weller’s desire to take on more responsibility is timely given Gold Coast are looking to add new faces to the leadership group who lost co-captains Steven May (Melbourne) and Tom Lynch (Richmond), as well as Matt Rosa (retired) and Michael Barlow (delisted).

Gold Coast are expected to announce their new-look leadership group in the coming weeks.

“I think I have some leadership qualities. I’m not a loud person so I probably don’t stand out too much,” Weller said.

Jarrod Berry (right) of the Lions is run down and tackled by Lachie Weller (left) of the Suns during the Round 22 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, Saturday, August 18, 2018. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England.

“If I’m not in the leadership group I’ll still be the same person.”

Weller played 22 games for the Suns in 2018, mostly playing across halfback before a late move to the wing on his way to finishing third in Gold Coast’s Club Champion votes.

He hasn’t missed a game in three seasons and is looking to spend more time in the midfield in 2019.

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“I played on the wing towards the back end of last season and I was probably playing better football,” Weller said.

“It depends with injuries. Last year I went down back a fair bit when Pearce Hanley was out but I feel we have a lot more depth this year so I might be able to cement my spot on the wing.”