Harbrow to spend more time in the middle

GOLD Coast is set to inject some more pace to its midfield this season with lively half-back Jarrod Harbrow to spend more time in the middle of the ground.

The former Western Bulldog was a standout in 2012, despite missing almost half a season with a fractured elbow.

Harbrow was a steadying influence in an often under siege back half, and was able to find a nice balance with his love of being aggressive and taking the game on.

However, with recruits Greg Broughton (Fremantle) and Tom Murphy (Hawthorn) expected to shore up the back half, spots for the mid-sized and small defenders will be tighter at the GC SUNS.

This gives Harbrow a chance to move to the midfield or a wing – something he has been training for during pre-season training.

"I will be spending more time up-field, up on the wing," Harbrow said.

"I'll spend some time in the backline but also some time in the midfield. That's where I've been training,

"I've been playing a fair bit on the wing and it's something I'm comfortable with."

Harbrow fractured his elbow against the Brisbane Lions in round four last season and returned against Geelong in round 15.

He was part of Gold Coast’s three wins in the final eight weeks.

His outside run complements a midfield of ball winners that includes captain Gary Ablett, David Swallow, Michael Rischitelli and Dion Prestia.

Harbrow, 24, said the strong finish to 2012 had given the SUNS plenty of confidence entering their third pre-season.

He said the playing group was becoming increasingly familiar with one another and there were no more excuses for poor performances.

"I’m getting to know them a lot better and they’re getting to know my strengths on the field," he said.

"They become a bit more predictable and you know what they're going to do. It's spending more time training with them and playing with them, you get a better indication of them and the structures you're going to play."

Harbrow said he noticed a distinct change in attitude since the club’s second straight visit to Arizona in November for a two-week block of high altitude training.

"You can see the difference in the boys, a lot more mature and a lot more switched on," he said.

"You can see how much they want to improve themselves, they're all on another level with fitness, their kicking skills, I think the group is flying at the moment.

“We didn't run out games too well last season and I think now a lot of boys area fitter and stronger than last season. There's a massive difference in their attitude and training and we can't wait for the season to start."