Gold Coast’s newest recruit Hugh Greenwood can’t wait to get into pre-season training with his new teammates after joining the SUNS during the Telstra AFL Trade Period.

Greenwood on Tuesday became the second player to join the SUNS in the Trade Period, joining ex-Richmond premiership player Brandon Ellis on Gold Coast’s list for 2020.

“(I’m) very excited for it finally to be all happening,” Greenwood told SUNS Media.

“It’s been a bit of a process but to finally be here and be a part of the Gold Coast Football Club, yeah I’m very, very excited.”

The 27-year-old has played 51 games since joining the Adelaide Crows in 2015, including 14 games last season.

He said there were a variety of factors which contributed to him nominating Gold Coast as his club of choice, but in the end it was an easy decision to make for his family. 

“I’m excited to see where the culture’s going and the direction of the footy club,” Greenwood said.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to within the four walls is really confident in the direction they’re heading so to be a part of that and to be a part of something bigger than myself as a player and help out where I can was a huge selling point for us.

“Obviously security was really important for us too so to be able to come somewhere and be a part of something for a long period of time, we can really sink our feet in and be a part of it.

“So there were a lot of factors so when this became an opportunity it became a no-brainer for (my partner) Kjiersten and I.” 

Greenwood already has connections to Gold Coast’s coaching staff, having spent time playing under assistant coaches Josh Francou and Tate Kaesler. 

After meeting with Senior Coach Stuart Dew in the off-season, Greenwood knew Gold Coast was the best place for him to continue his career long-term. 

“Obviously my relationship with Tate and Josh from our time at Adelaide was certainly a selling point too,” he said. 

“Stuey seems like a fantastic coach in the short time that I’ve spent with him. 

“We’ve been in constant contact about the expectations and what they want to get out of me and what we want to get out of the Gold Coast footy club.

“It’s really exciting, we’re all on the same page and we all want the same thing, we want this club to taste the success it deserves.”

“We understand it’s going to be challenging but the belief is genuine and we’re very excited to get started.

After spending time as both a forward and midfielder in his time at the Crows, Greenwood said he was happy to do the same at the SUNS, but ultimately saw himself spending most of his time helping to develop the younger players in the middle of the ground.

“I think I’ll come in and help out with the midfield group as a mature body,” he said.

“Obviously we’ve got some exciting young talent across the ground but particularly in the midfield so wherever I can come in and help those guys out is where I see myself. 

“Sitting under Wittsy would be handy too after he led the AFL in hitouts so I’m looking forward to that.”