A NEW era has commenced on the Gold Coast, with Rodney Eade completing his first training session in charge as coach.
Eade largely watched on from the boundary line for the first pre-season hit-out at Metricon Stadium's training field, with development coach Andy Lovell taking most of the session.
But 'Rocket' has made an immediate impact, giving the first-to-fourth-year players a short chat that will carry them through the pre-season.
Vice-captain Tom Lynch said Eade came with instant respect.
"He's just come in today and said he wants the training standards high and to be really professional," Lynch said.
"I was very impressed. I think everyone's clear on what he wants from the group.
"He's well respected and I'm happy to have him on board. He'll be great for us I think."
One slight change to the training from previous years was a noticeable use of more footballs and less aerobic running.
Lynch spearheaded the group of players returning to train that only excluded about a third of the list including older heads Gary Ablett, Michael Rischitelli and Jarrod Harbrow, who will all return in the next fortnight.
Lynch admitted it had been a different off-season with Guy McKenna removed as coach, and Eade coming in to replace him.
He said although the players were consulted in the football department review that ultimately accounted for McKenna, they had no more input than any other stakeholder.
Lynch said Eade's appointment had sent the players buzzing.
"We spent a few weeks not knowing (who the coach was)," he said.
"He's (Eade) well known throughout the industry. Everyone was pretty excited … and that we've got a guy like him, fantastic for us.
"That buzz lifted a bit and (we're) ready to go pre-season."
