Ex-Power coach Matthew Primus joins Gold Coast as its new assistant coach

TWO years of hardship as Port Adelaide coach has finally delivered a silver lining for Matthew Primus.

Matthew Primus

TWO years of hardship as Port Adelaide coach has finally delivered a silver lining for Matthew Primus.

Primus was yesterday announced as the Gold Coast's new assistant midfield coach, where he will also work with some of the club's raw tall players.

It came after Primus refused to be floored by his hurtful exit from Alberton and immediately began searching for his next role in the game.

"I really enjoy the industry, love it, and now I've got another opportunity," Primus told The Advertiser . "They've got a good bunch of coaches up there, a talented young list and a great future."

Primus will move to the Gold Coast as two coaches in one: not only was he one of the game's outstanding ruckmen, he also has a very deep understanding of midfield set-ups.

He had talked to several clubs after being dumped by Port Adelaide, but said the attractive location of Gold Coast was never a factor in his decision.

"It's never about where you live in this game," Primus said.

"It's about who you work for.

"And I'm looking forward to learning in a different environment."

Gold Coast board member Malcolm Blight, the Crows' dual premiership coach, said what Primus had experienced as coach of the Power would be invaluable to the young club.

Blight also saw a bit of himself in Primus, in that he tipped Primus could fall into the category of senior coaches who failed the first time, went away and learnt a bit more somewhere else, and then came back to succeed.

"After what he's had to front up over the past couple of years  ... You can't buy that experience," Blight said.

"I still consider him a future coach; he's got considerable football knowledge."

Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft could not have spoken more highly about Primus, and it is known the Suns undertook thorough background checks.

"Matthew's ability to educate and develop our ruckmen and key position players, as well as working with our midfield group, ensures our playing group will benefit from the best possible tuition as we continue to develop our list," he said.

The Suns have been loading up for next year, having also hired former Crows chief fitness man Stephen Schwerdt and Geelong's premiership equivalent - Paul Haines.