Gold Coast recruit Ben Long is excited to play a more permanent role with the Suns in 2023.
The 25-year-old joined the club in the off-season following 79 games across six years with St Kilda where he played as both a pressure forward and running half-back.
As he was often shifted around at St Kilda, Long says he’s looking forward to playing full-time in defence under Stuart Dew.
“They’ve got a role down back for me,” Long said on SEN Fridays in the Top End.
“I’ll be playing in defence, so I’m looking forward to that, it’ll be good.”
While Long enjoyed drifting forward and kicking 31 goals during his time at St Kilda, he considers himself a more natural defender having played the position as a junior with Darwin club St Mary’s.
“I guess growing up playing at St Mary’s and in the NT championships, I always played defence,” Long said.
“Personally, I’ve always loved playing in the backline, I reckon I’ll probably get the best out of myself playing defence.
“I don’t mind going forward and trying to kick a few goals but I predominantly like playing in defence.
“Hopefully it will be good.”
Long joins fellow Territorians Malcolm Rosas Jr, Joel Jeffrey and Sandy Brock on Gold Coast’s list.
He officially joined the club after the Suns traded pick no. 32 in this year’s draft to St Kilda for his services.