Gold Coast have been given an AFL pre-season boost with foundation players Trent McKenzie and Matt Shaw signing new deals.

The re-signing was announced at an open day for Suns’ fans at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.

Suns’ list manager Scott Clayton said retaining both McKenzie and Shaw was boost for the entire club.

“Both men have played key roles in establishing our club and game in Queensland since signing with the club as under-age access selections in 2009,” Clayton said.

“We have watched them develop over the last six years, as members of our under 18 TAC Cup team in 2009, VFL team in 2010, and at AFL level where both guys have already played over 70 senior games in four seasons.”

A classy defender with a booming left foot, McKenzie amassed a team-high 87 rebounds across half-back in 2014.

McKenzie has played 76 AFL matches for the Suns, the same as skipper Gary Ablett, with only Jarrod Harbrow (78) making more appearances in the club’s short history.

“We know we still have plenty of improvement and hard work ahead of us but it’s a pretty exciting place to be right now,” McKenzie said.

Shaw has made 72 appearances for the Suns including 20 games last season.