Gold Coast AFL recruit Pearce Hanley says the Suns’ potential is endless.

Former Brisbane star Hanley has joined the Suns as part of a three-way trade also involving Port Adelaide

Like their intra-state rivals, Gold Coast endured a painful 2016 campaign, though they won six games to the Lions three.

“I see their potential as endless,” Hanley said of the Suns on Wednesday.

“They are going to have a very bright future.

“Their list, their age demographic is very good.

“Brisbane gave me a chance to play professional sport and I fell in love with the place.

“But I feel Gold Coast, when I spoke to them, they saw my best football in front of me and they see me as a pivotal part of their team going forward and that excited me.”

Hanley, 28, racked up 129 games in nine seasons for Brisbane but conceded he performed below his best this year, though he wasn’t about to divulge why.

“It was obviously clear on field that I wasn’t happy or wasn’t playing my best football last year and them reasons are my own,” Hanley said.

“But I’m excited to get down to the Gold Coast and play with some of the best players in the comp.

“I think they have the best defender, forward and midfielder in the competition.”

Despite the Lions’ traumatic season, Hanley said the culture at the club was good.

“It was a very tough year on-field, but I think off-field the boys stuck together and I think they are going to grow a culture there that can be successful in the future.”