They don't make their AFL Women's debut until 2020 but newly-appointed Gold Coast coach David Lake says the next 12 months will be his most important in the role.
Ex-Brisbane Lions assistant Lake was unveiled on Tuesday as the man to lead the Suns into their inaugural AFLW campaign.
The 54-year-old has an extensive background in Queensland football, coaching Mt Gravatt and Morningside in the state league as well as representative duties with Queensland and Papua New Guinea in the AFL International Cup.
He was in charge of the GC Suns' women's representative team which played the Lions in an exhibition match in 2016 and was the Lions' midfield coach in their past two AFLW seasons.
Lake will use his knowledge of the local development area to compile a list for the Suns' inaugural AFLW team.
"My personal view is that this will be the busiest part," Lake said of his initial responsibilities in the role.
"A list build is everything and getting the right people and going through a process about how you bring those right people into your organisation, what your key points are and what you think's important to bring to your footy club.
"All that plays a massive role ... the first 12 months will be the hardest part. Get that right and the rest will be a lot of fun."
Gold Coast announced the club's inaugural three women's players in February with Kitara-Whap Farrer, Charlotte Hammans and Ellie Hampson all signing on.
Lake and Suns' head of women's football Fiona McLarty will begin adding to that list when the AFLW trade period commences on April 15.
