Gold Coast SUNS AFLW star recruit Anne Hatchard has found a second gear to kick into this season.

Despite having landed on the Gold Coast with a lengthy list of accolades and more than 100 games of AFLW experience under her belt, the youthful SUNS side has ignited a new spark for the decorated midfielder.

“The past couple years I probably haven't enjoyed footy as much as I would have liked so coming up here and having a fresh start has been awesome,” Hatchard shared.

“I was probably going through the motions a little bit too much, having been at the Crows for a long time and I found myself not being as motivated as I used to be.

“I think I just needed to find that spark and that challenge.

“Since moving here, it's been incredible for my motivation. It’s something new and I feel like I'm having to prove myself again, which has been awesome for me.”

Hatchard hit the ground running, taking out the pre-season time-trial in June and has consistently raised the bar over the last eight weeks.

In a member exclusive, General Manager of Women’s Football Erin Phillips told SUNS media she was excited to see her former teammate take her game to the next level with the SUNS.

“Hatchy’s started off on an incredible foot to win the time trial, to come into training and set a standard,” Phillips said.

“She ran the time trial until she couldn’t stand up anymore – that’s the level she is driving alongside a host of players who are driving that with her.

“It gives you an understanding of where her mindset is at. She wants to be the best possible player she can be.

“I’m just excited because I don’t think we’ve seen her best yet and I think for the Gold Coast SUNS fans we’re pretty lucky that we might get the best of Anne Hatchard.”

With 11 young talents eyeing an AFLW debut this season, the squad has been making the most of the opportunity to learn from the four-time All Australian.

“These young girls, they're thriving. They want to learn and want to get better, they're asking questions, they're wanting feedback and it's been awesome to see how much they want to improve,” Hatchard said.

“From the start of pre-season to now, I've seen an immaculate improvement with most of the young girls.

“It makes me hungry to get out there and start playing.”

Hatchard will have her first taste of SUNS footy on Friday afternoon in a match simulation against the Sydney Swans at the SCG.

“These four trial games coming up are going to be super important and I’m really excited,” Hatchard added.

“I’m just excited to be able to bring my experience in and help them through their journey and hopefully we can play some good footy this year.”

The countdown is on! Secure your seats to Round 1 against the Western Bulldogs at People First Stadium with a SUNS AFLW Membership.