AFL battlers Gold Coast looking for a sunrise in preference to a sundown in the new AFL season

AFL Tiger turned Sun Brandon Ellis can see some good times ahead for his new Gold Coast side

Gold Coast suns players Brandon Ellis and Taylor Thorn get a feel of the local wildlife. Picture: Che Chorley

AFL Tiger turned Sun Brandon Ellis can see some good times ahead for his new Gold Coast side.

Fresh from 176 games and two premierships at Richmond, Ellis has embarked on a journey of a different kind with the lowly Suns.

Gold Coast has not played finals football since stepping on to the national stage in 2011.

It’s a record 26-year-old Ellis is confident the new playing squad can change.

“I can definitely see a bright future for the club,’’ he said.

“Look at the list and how much talent they actually have and it’s going to be really exciting over the next few years.

“Something like 26 players have signed on for the next three years. If we can play some good footy and establish some continuity as a group, it’s going to be an exciting time.’’

Ellis spent eight seasons at Richmond, playing his part in the 2017 and ‘19 premierships.

“It’s been hard for the Suns over the last few years with the number of player turnovers caused by people wanting to go home,’’ he said.

“They haven’t been able to get that continuity, whereas you look at the Tigers and I reckon there was only six changes from our 2017 grand final team to the ‘19 flag.

“That plays a huge part, trying to keep the same side together for a long time.

“You just don’t know how each other plays, where they will be at certain times and what fits them best.’’

Ellis was in Darwin to assist with grand final day in women’s football, his first sample of the Top End heat.

“We’ve had a pretty solid pre-season in the heat, so we’re looking forward to playing the St Kilda up here in Round 13,’’ he said .

“Hopefully we won’t need the weather to help us win, though I reckon by June it will be a bit cooler than what it is right now.’’