Despite Monday’s conditioning session marking his first day on the job, new GC SUNS recruit Nick Malceski immediately provided an immense leadership presence on the training track.

Not due back to pre-season training for another two weeks, Malceski was a welcome face at Carrara for the start of week three of the campaign, encouraging his younger teammates and giving guidance wherever possible.

Senior coach Rodney Eade reaffirmed that the 30-year-old’s vast AFL experience was a key motivator behind recruiting him to the club, with the All Australian half-back to guide the likes of fellow defenders Trent McKenzie and Kade Kolodjashnij.

“Apart from his talent and his ability to kick the ball, it’s going to be his experience with such a young defence to be able to pass that experience on,” he said.

“His educational aspect, be able to tell them where to run, so I think he’s going to be a real positive player for us.”

The former Sydney Swans player participated in the gruelling 2km time trial, turning in a solid endurance test.

He then took part in some skills-based drills before eagerly watching his teammates for the remainder of the session from the sidelines.

Eade confirmed Malceski would be on limited duties until early-December due to the fact he played in the AFL Grand Final on September 27.

“He going to be here for two days a week for the next two weeks then he’ll join full time after that.

“So he hasn’t done a lot at this stage because he’s only halfway through his rest. He’ll be steady until he starts back.”