Gold Coast drafted four top 10 picks last year but among them, it's been a willingness to knuckle down which has won Jack Bowes and Ben Ainsworth their AFL debuts for the Suns this weekend.
The pair has risen to top of their class with strong performances in the JLT Community Series over the summer, Ainsworth drawing eyes with his "sticky" hands and Bowes with his ability to deliver the ball calmly in traffic.
But coach Rodney Eade says he's been more impressed by their willingness to work hard.
"Sometimes players who arrive touted with ability tend to think they've made it, they tend to cruise a bit, but I haven't seen any of that with these lads," he said on Thursday.
"Their attitude has been fantastic."
Bowes, a Queenslander who grew up in Cairns, has been associated with the Suns since he was 13. Yet this didn't grant him any comfort when he was told to see Eade after training.
"Last Thursday we were going into a gym session and he pulled me aside and I said I need to talk to you after your workout," Bowes said.
"I was worried. I kept thinking about it all session. I thought I'd done something wrong.
"I got into his office and the first thing he said to me was, 'Congratulations you're playing'."
"My jaw completely dropped, I did'nt know what to believe, he gave me a bit of notice to tell me family and get them organised to come down".
The 19 year-olds understand the significance of debuting in the derby clash.
"The club has shown great trust in us going forward and it should be an exciting time this weekend," Ainsworth said.
"Jack and I know that so far we've done everything we can and we're pretty competitive, we'll do whatever we can to secure a spot and push on to bigger and better things".
Ainsworth and Bowes are also among six players who will make their club debut, along with Michael Barlow, Jarrod Witts, Pearce Hanley and Jarryd Lyons.
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