New Gold Coast recruit Matt Rosa spent more than a decade with this year’s Grand Finalist, West Coast, but an opportunity for a fresh start at a new club and in a new state was the decisive reason behind his decision to join the SUNS.
 
The 28-year-old was traded to Metricon Stadium during last month’s exchange period, with Gold Coast sending pick No. 31 to the Eagles to secure the versatile Victorian’s services.
 
After 168 games across 11 seasons in Western Australia, Rosa expressed his excitement about joining a young club on the rise, admitting the age profile of Gold Coast’s list and the plethora of glittering talent were factors in luring him across the country.
 
“It just felt like it was time for a fresh start. I obviously had 11 great years at West Coast, but I’m really excited about the opportunity to play for the SUNS,” Rosa told SUNS TV.
 
“The main thing was looking at the talent on the list and looking at the age profile of the boys it looks like there’s some exciting times ahead and I definitely wanted to be a part of that.”
 
It was no secret that during this year’s trade period the SUNS were aggressively searching for a specialist wingman. The club enquired about Paul Seedsman before getting their man in Rosa. Now, the polished Victorian has eyes set on earning a position on a wing in Rodney Eade’s side.
 
“That’s where I’ve played most of my footy – on the wing – last year and the year before I played mainly down back, but I’m really looking forward to coming over and earning my spot and hopefully playing on the wing,” Rosa said.
 
With such a youthful list profile in Carrara, the recruitment of Rosa not only meets a need in terms of position, but also bolsters the club’s leadership and experience.
 
Rosa brings a wealth of knowledge with him to his second club, and as well as playing in big derby’s against Fremantle in the last 11 seasons, he also has plenty of finals experience – including this year’s Grand Final.
 
“I’ve had great experience playing in finals series at West Coast and that’s something that the club is striving for here,” he said.
 
“So hopefully I can bring a bit of my experience and a bit of knowledge of playing in those bigger games. Hopefully we get to taste that pretty soon.”
 
Injury prevented him from completing a proper pre-season last year, so Rosa’s attention is firmly fixed on preparing his body well during the hot, humid months to set himself up for a big 2016.
 
“I’m just looking forward to having a big summer. I didn’t get to do much of the pre-season in last year, so that’s the main aim at the moment – just get the body feeling really good, get a lot of work in and improve and hopefully earn my spot and stay fit next year,” he said.