In what could be called the run and gun show, Gold Coast SUNS fans can expect to see a more attacking brand of football from us in 2015.

Our new coach Rodney Eade is urging us to take more calculated risks on the footy field — to play instinctively ... and to take the game on and this means fans of the club are going to see some pretty free and exciting football this year.

This doesn’t mean that we are not going to be defensively strong ... only the good defensive sides have won premierships in recent years so the key word here is calculated risks.

Rocket’s other key message is to limit turnovers.

You look at a successful side like Hawthorn — they are the benchmark in controlling possession.

Simply put, they just don’t turn the ball over.

On the field you have to make it difficult for teams when they’ve got the ball but at the same time you have to make it hard for the opposition to get the ball.

We’ve been spending a lot of time looking at tape and picking Rocket’s mind on his new game plan.

But come Round 1 everyone will know the role they have to play in our new structures.

What I love about Rocket is his balance between challenging the younger guys and giving them a cuddle when they need it.

He has also been asking questions about our game style and while it’s only preseason, it is all coming together.

I can’t wait to see our guys hit the paddock for our pre-season opener in the NAB Cup against Geelong in Townsville on March 1.

I’m desperate to have a hit-out and play in the NAB.

My shoulder is about 90 per cent in regards to strength and range but I am super keen to get a game under my belt before Round 1 in early April.

I’ve had another hydro injection — a saline solution — to help with my range and while I’m marking overhead I’m yet to really test myself with contested marking.

But come Round 1 — I’ll be right to play.

SEPTEMBER READY
I’ll be upfront — I miss playing finals footy but this side is good enough to play into September.

As a group we haven’t discussed finals — our focus has been on having a good preseason and the boys have returned in the best shape I’ve ever seen.

In particular Jarrod Harbrow has been training the house down.

Softly spoken Jarrod was initially voted into the leadership group by the boys but he sat the group down and explained that he wanted to concentrate on his football this year — and take his game to another level.

To do this he thought it was best for his football not to be part of the leadership group but I can tell you, every time Jarrod runs out he’ll be leading by example.

He is such an important player for us, he gives us that run out of the backline, he’s experienced and he has a great footy brain — so he will continue to lead without the title.

But speaking of the leadership group, former Swan Nick Malceski has been exceptional.

From day one, he has challenged the boys to be better — and that’s the sign of a good leader.

He comes from a very successful football culture at the Swans and his is a voice of experience.

He’s won premierships, he’s lost premierships so he knows what level we need to be at week-in and week-out.

Our list understands better now what is expected to play premiership football — and it really is about making premiership football a lifestyle.

DON’T RUSH THINGS
I hate talking contracts but to those who keep asking ... I came up here to win a premiership and that’s what I intend to do.

There’s been speculation over the past few months but I’m contracted until the end of the year so there’s plenty of time to work through the next stage.

What is important is I love playing for the Suns and this is an extremely talented list.

We have the right people around the club and with hard work, this is going to be a very exciting year.