Prized recruit Nick Malceski has revealed the opportunity to help develop the young playing list at Metricon Stadium was an important factor in his defection from Sydney after more than a decade in the harbour city.

The premiership Swan accepted an offer to join the SUNS during last month’s trade period and although the job security was a major element in his decision making process, it wasn’t the only reason.

Given Malceski's late finish to the season after playing in the 2014 Grand Final, the All-Australian defender was not expected to return to training until early December.

But, in a sign of his intent to impact the SUNS playing group, Malceski has already begun training.

“I’m not due on the track until December but I didn’t want the boys to have a new recruit who comes in a month after they all started and they were all a month ahead of me," Malceski told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

The 176-game veteran has identifed fellow rebounding defenders Kade Kolodjashnij, Sean Lemmens and Trent McKenzie as players he wants to help get the most out of their football.

“I am known for running and carrying the footy from half-back. Now I’m obviously able to mentor players like Kade, Sean and Trent and hopefully help them to go to a new level next year with a few tips and stuff like that,” he said.

“But I’m also going to help out with the SUNS academy squad, maybe for one or two sessions a week to get my coaching and mentoring up to scratch. I’m looking forward to that.”