Winning the respect of the AFL will be the Gold Coast's top priority in 2017, according to Suns midfielder Touk Miller.
The Suns returned for pre-season training on Monday, aiming to reach the finals for the first time in the club's six-year history next season.
And while Miller said that always remained a goal, they first had to win over the rest of the league and their own fans.
"We probably haven't finished well for the past few years is a bit disheartening for myself and other players," Miller said.
"The last five years or so we've said finals is our goal.
"It still is but I think we need to win back the respect of the comp and all our fans on the Gold Coast."
The Suns have endured a difficult post-season, which have included reports of captain Gary Ablett Jr requesting a trade back to Geelong.
And while that request was denied by the Suns, Miller said the playing group had surrounded Ablett in support.
"Obviously there are family reasons," Miller said.
"He opened up and a natural reaction for the players is just to get around him."
But Miller said he was unconcerned with the likes of Dion Prestia and Jaeger O'Meara leaving to move away from the region.
"If you want to play football for the Gold Coast you've got to want to be here," he said.
"If they don't want to be up on the coast it's up to them - there's no use having them around."
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