The amount of change and transformation that has occurred within the four walls of Metricon Stadium over the past two seasons is evident to all that have stepped into the Gold Coast SUN'S inner sanctum.

An improvement in culture and standards has been driven from the top down since Rodney Eade’s arrival at the club and players that haven’t bought into those have been moved on.

While results haven’t gone the club’s way on field due to a myriad of factors including injuries, there is now a clear understanding amongst the playing group of what it takes to be a footballer at the elite level.

“(Rocket has) definitely transformed the standards and where he wants us to be,” utility Alex Sexton told SUNS TV.

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“Definitely clear messages now of what it takes to play in this side and play in the AFL so he’s been very clear in that regard.

“I reckon he’s built a lot of players, especially myself, into understanding what it takes to be in the AFL.”

After playing a career-high 18 games in 2016, Sexton has built a solid foundation ahead of 2017 but will face stiff competition for spots with a number of new talented players now calling Gold Coast home after the trade and draft periods.

“I think last year I focused on consistently playing in the ones and did that,” Sexton said.

“Had a little speed hump with my arm but I’m confident going into the next block, into the pre-season games and round one.

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“We’ve brought in some guys that will definitely help us coming up in the season but it’s also healthy for our list.

“You see people like Pearce Hanley out there dominating the track and he really drives that on-field in training standards and you just want to build off them so it’s exciting.

“Blokes are ready to compete now and I’m just working hard to try and cement that spot for round one and the whole season.”