Young Gold Coast SUNS midfielder Alex Davies is drawing motivation from his teammates to get the best out of himself and throw his hat in the ring for Round 1.

Davies and the SUNS squad ventured to Palm Beach on Thursday morning for a change of scenery and an open beach session attended by a great number of SUNS fans.

“A lot of families came out today, gives us a bit of purpose on why we play and gives us a bit of drive for success,” Davies said on Thursday morning.

The SUNS Academy product from Cairns earned a regular spot in Stuart Dew’s side with 15 games throughout 2022 following a debut late in the season prior.

Now in the middle of his third pre-season, Davies says he knows what he needs to do to be pushing for a spot in midfield come Round 1 against the Sydney Swans at Metricon Stadium.

“I know what I can bring to the midfield and after playing a few games last year, I know what I need to do,” Davies continued.

“I know the difference between AFL and VFL now – it’s a different game.

“(Now in my third pre-season) I know how I can get something out of each session. Even if I’m having a bad session, I can switch my mindset and still get something out of it.

“I’ve got confidence in myself, that if my body is right and I’m training well that I’ll be putting my hand up (for Round 1).”

The 20-year-old says he’s drawing inspiration from the work rate of fellow midfielders Touk Miller and Noah Anderson.

“What’s important is my fitness and those repeat efforts. You see Touk and Noah and how they go about it, how they can run up every stoppage,” Davies added.

“It’s about building that up so I can be more damaging.”