GOLD Coast coaching adviser Malcolm Blight says the Suns' key players are coming into "prime time", but he dismisses the concept of clubs having a "premiership window".
And Blight, a dual premiership coach with Adelaide, sees comparison between Gold Coast and the Crows that he coached to back-to-back flags.
"I'm always fascinated by the window because coaching Adelaide we came from 12th to win it – so that window wasn't open, we weren't in a window," Blight told News Ltd.
"So, what, if you're not in the window you can't win?
"I always find that seasons unfold for all sorts of reasons. I reckon every time you start, if you don't think you're in the window, don't turn up.
"If you don't possibly think you can improve the system, the club can improve or the players can't improve, I don't reckon you start."
Blight led Geelong to three unsuccessful grand final tilts in six seasons before taking over at Adelaide.
He coached the Crows to flags in 1997 and 1998, before leaving at the end of the 1999 season after finishing 13th.
An abortive 15-match season at the helm of St Kilda followed.
"Geelong was settled and an established footy club, Adelaide wasn't that old," Blight said.
"Now the Gold Coast are not dissimilar to Adelaide, they're a new team.
"The only thing was the age of the team to start with, but now they're coming into prime time.
"I think probably it's a bit like Adelaide. I got them prime time.
"So it really does point positively (for the Suns)."
Malcolm Blight celebrates with Shane Ellen after the 1998 flag win. Picture: AFL Media
Blight said new Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade was the right fit for the club after the sacking of inaugural coach Guy McKenna.
"Rodney's record is very good," he said.
"I think as a club we were looking for someone like him once the other decision (to sack McKenna) was made.
"To get that experience now for our group is priceless.
"Football clubs are unique beasts.
"At some stage, if you hang around long enough, something happens – I've been through it a couple of times.
"Coaching's very much a win business and if it doesn't happen people start to look sideways.
"I thought Bluey did a great job building the base of this footy club and now, like everything, we've got to take the next step."
