It wasn’t only the riches of free agency that led to Nick Malceski joining AFL club Gold Coast.

Malceski was officially unveiled as a Sun at Burleigh Heads on Monday, having signed a three-year deal with the expansion side last week.

The rebounding defender admitted he was sad to leave Sydney, the club that drafted him in 2002 and delivered a premiership medallion in 2012.

Malceski noted that financial security for his young family played a part in departing Sydney, a remarkably successful side that missed the finals only once in the past 10 seasons.

But the 30-year-old believes Gold Coast, who are searching for a new coach after sacking Guy McKenna, have the makings of something special.

“The club is looking to make finals next year (for the first time) and I believe in the list we’ve got and the talent we’ve got that we can make finals next year and really push in the next couple of years for a premiership,” Malceski said.

“It’s a talented list and they’re all young and want to win, they’re very hungry.

“That’s something that really drove me towards coming up here.”

After a season of consideration, Malceski finally decided to join Gold Coast after meeting head of football Marcus Ashcroft, list manager Scott Clayton and young gun Tom Lynch in Sydney.

The Suns had recently removed McKenna at the time, but Malceski was sufficiently impressed with the vision being espoused.

“I have confidence in everyone at the club to choose the right coach,” he said.

“Whoever does pick it up will go on the same path as the club.”

Aside from Malceski’s laser-like kicking skills, the man who recovered from three reconstructions to boot the sealer in the 2012 grand final has been recruited by the Suns to impart some know-how.

“They’re young and probably lacking a little leadership and hopefully I can bring a bit of experience,” he said.

“They’re really competitive. Their contested footy is really good.

“Why they bought me in was for leadership and my ball use.”