Malceski makes AFL statement at Suns

Three months is all it has taken for Sydney import Nick Malceski to make a statement at Gold Coast AFL club.

The 2012 AFL premiership hero wants his new Suns teammates to get tongues wagging – literally.

The 2014 All-Australian half-back’s comrades have had some say in the pre-season, voting Malceski into a six-strong Suns leadership group again helmed by Gary Ablett.

But Malceski says communication – a key trait in the Swans’ legendary Bloods culture – still needs to be improved if they are to be a force in 2015.

He said it was a glaring “unacceptable” habit that he noticed when he hit the Suns’ pre-season training track for the first time.

“At Sydney, I was brought straight into a culture where there was things that weren’t accepted and things that were accepted, and I’ve learnt that and it’s gone with me through my career,” said Malceski, who signed a three-year Suns deal.

“I came here and saw some stuff that I didn’t think was acceptable, and Rocket’s (coach Rodney Eade) also seen some stuff as well.

“They’re a quiet group, obviously young and there aren’t too many older guys there.

“It’s the responsibility of the young guys to step up in that area and become vocal and they’re improving in that area.

“They are still a bit quiet, but we’re getting better.”

He has made his presence felt since the outset but Malceski still did not expect to be the new face in the Suns’ leadership group when players placed their votes at their three-day leadership camp.

“I think the thing I’ve improved on here is I just say what I need to say,” he said.

“If I see something (wrong), I’ll say it.

“It’s probably grown my leadership.

“They are a group that want to learn and improve and get better.

“It was just small things that I saw that could get better around here and the boys have grasped it and are improving.”

The rest of the leadership group comprises captain Ablett, Michael Rischitelli, David Swallow, Dion Prestia and Tom Lynch.

Ablett will lead the club for a fifth consecutive season.

“Throughout Nick’s career, he has consistently shown strong leadership qualities,” Eade said.

“Those qualities were part of the reason the club was thrilled to sign him as a free agent at the end of last season and, in a short time with the Suns, he has made a significant impact.”

Meanwhile, Ablett will reportedly soon announce a new three-year contract extension.

The dual Brownlow Medallist’s five-year, $8 million deal expires at the end of the season.

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