Recently re-signed ruckman Jarrod Witts believes the SUNS playing group is as close as it’s ever been as the club continues to prepare for the upcoming 2019 AFL season.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Witts, who just signed a five-year contract extension, said it was the main reason why he was so confident in committing to the club long-term. 

“This is the best I’ve seen it since I’ve moved up here a couple of years ago,” Witts said. 

“With the camp in New Zealand, that just added another string to us and seeing guys in different environments has allowed us to connect in a different way that you probably wouldn’t be able to do here on the Gold Coast.

“I think we’re really coming together nicely which then allows us to then have stronger conversations because we’ve built those strong relationships.”

Witts’ extension comes after fellow leader David Swallow also re-signed on a new five-year deal last year. 

The dual signings ensure the SUNS have now locked in two key pillars of the club’s spine for the years to come.

“There’s been a complete buy in,” Witts said. 

“I think (seeing teammates re-sign) sets a really good example, Dave’s done the same thing, hopefully (we’ll) have a few more in the future that sign on and we can really start building something special up here. 

“I think the ability of this group to just get on with the job, push forward and accept that if we work hard and put ourselves in that position where we’re fit strong then anything can happen.” 

Witts was a member of the club’s leadership group last season alongside Swallow, Pearce Hanley and Touk Miller.

He’s set to be relied upon once again this year to provide the same leadership and direction in the midfield that served him so well in his career-best 2018 season.