The Bulletin looks at what the recruitment of Hugh Greenwood can do for the Suns

We look at what Greenwood brings to the Suns that no one else can.

HUGH Greenwood is a fine footballer.

He was a fine basketballer as well before deciding to take the plunge on footy following several years’ hiatus.

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He kicked three goals in her first game against the Lions held his spot for the rest of the year.

But Hugh Greenwood will offer just as much off the field as he will on it.

Gold Coast Suns AFL training at Carrara. Hugh Greenwood at training. Picture Glenn Hampson

When the Suns traded a future third and fourth round selection for the 27-year-old, they knew they were acquiring the services of a big-bodied midfielder who support emerging the clubs emerging on-ballers.

But unlike the majority of the Suns list, Greenwood has life experience.

In 2009, he joined the Australian Boomers for their 2009 program and at 17 years, was the youngest athlete on the squad.

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He’s travelled the world playing basketball, completing a successful college stint for the University of New Mexico before returning to Australia to play with the Perth Wildcats.

But then Greenwood decided to roll the dice with AFL, losing his motivation to play basketball and instead signing with the Crows.

The high of making his debut and playing a winning preliminary finals was replaced by the crushing low of a grand final thumping at the hands of Richmond, only to lose his mum Andree ‘Onny’ Grennwood to breast cancer a few weeks later.

AFL - Grand Final - Adelaide Crows v Richmond Tigers at the MCG. Eddie Betts walks off with Hugh Greenwood. Picture Sarah Reed

He spent 2019 on the outer, playing only 14 games and was dropped twice.

And now, he finds himself on the Gold Coast, prepared to make a name for himself at a second club.

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Greenwood isn’t the type to get caught up in an illicit drug scandal.

He isn’t the type to walk away from the Suns when they’re at their most vulnerable.

Gold Coast Suns AFL training at Carrara. Hugh Greenwood at training. Picture Glenn Hampson

He even has family based on the Gold Coast, grandparents, aunties and uncles soon to be joined by a baby of his own with long-time partner Kjiersten Straub.

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“It’s taken a while for it to click who we’re up here for good,” the father to be said.

He is yet another cog in the wheel of things beginning to turn around at Metricon Stadium.