THERE is something novel about standing in front of the Kurrawa Surf Club on a humid Monday morning quizzing young Gold Coast Suns centre half-forward Charlie Dixon about his team's prospects in round two against Carlton.

The early morning press conference takes place minutes before Dixon heads into the pounding surf thumping the coastline to recover from the practice game against the Brisbane Lions yesterday at Southport. The message is reasonable: the 67-point loss to its Queensland rivals was part of the learning curve.

Now the countdown is really on as it is 19 days until Gold Coast's first game. The Gold Coast Suns AFL debut will take place against the Blues at the Gabba, the club's Queensland venue until Gold Coast Stadium is ready for action in May.

It's new, it's intoxicating but soon enough it will be time for the young side to show what they are capable of in front of a big crowd and huge television audience.  

For the record, Dixon, who kicked two goals against the Lions, says the team is ready to go. He knows the challenge is huge but he is looking forward to it.

A full complement of players will help the team's performance. Captain Gary Ablett, is yet to play a game for his new club. Campbell Brown was missing yesterday too. Both are expected to play the club's first game.

Dixon has high hopes of the team gelling when those AFL stars join the line-up. "I think they will fit really well into the team," said Dixon. "I think the club needs those boys to come in and just add that bit more experience."

Dixon was one of the club's first signings, joining the club from Cairns as a 17-year-old in 2008. He is tall and moves well and will attract a strong defender each week.

Attracting seasoned defenders does not worry the 20-year-old centre half-forward. It's all part of the learning cycle. "I can't wait. There is nothing better then getting out there and having a really good defender and trying to beat him. I can't wait to get out there," said Dixon.

Dixon is smart enough however to know it's going to be a big step up for him and some of his inexperienced teammates. He noticed the lift in intensity this week against the Brisbane Lions, a lift from the game the week before against the Sydney Swans.

Sensibly, he's taking heed of the example being shown by those who have been there before, watching, listening and learning from leaders at the club such as Ablett, Brown and Nathan Bock.

So what has impressed him most? "Just their professionalism and intensity at training and when they have played. Out on the track it's just never give up. They are always doing the right thing on and off the field, so it's really good to have those boys (here)." said Dixon.

Dixon's mindset is positive. The club is building towards its first game and he is raring to go. "I enjoyed yesterday," he said. "As difficult as the game was; it's a quick learning curve."