While both players had been widely tipped to join the new franchise, the signings begin the moulding of the Suns' line-up for round one next year and there are still further big announcements to come according to CEO Travis Auld.
The Suns are likely to announce a further four to six uncontracted player signings in the not too distant future, and Auld said the Suns would make announcements after the finals.
“For those teams competing in the finals, we do not want to create any distraction,” Auld said.
Senior coach Guy McKenna said Bock would provide experience down back and be able to educate talented youngsters coming through.
“One of our needs was key position players with experience,” McKenna said.
“We feel we have some great young defenders in [Jack] Hutchins, [Steven] May, [Michael] Coad and [Karmichael] Hunt, so we will need some experience and size around them.”
“Nathan Bock fits that criteria. He will be a pillar of strength around some of our young defenders, and someone we can build a defensive fortress around.”
McKenna believes Krakouer will be the perfect assistant for Bock in the defensive half.
“Quick hands, quick feet, and a great decision maker, (which is) a key component for the modern defender,” he said.
“Nathan joins us as a ripe old 22 year old...someone that will grow with the rest of our young players.”
Bock, a 2006 All Australian, made the decision two weeks ago to leave Adelaide and join the Suns, and for him the beaches were a definite appeal, as well as playing alongside the exciting young talent already at the Suns.
“The lifestyle definitely appeals, I’m a pretty keen surfer and like warm weather,” said Bock.
“The young guys, [like David] Swallow and [Brandon] Matera, have just got huge talents, so I'm looking forward to having a good pre-season and hopefully we can have some success next year.”
Krakouer enjoyed a breakout season last year for Port Adelaide, and while this year has been injury marred, he will have the pre-season to freshen up and be right for round one.
Krakouer was excited at the prospect of playing alongside and also educating rugby league convert Hunt next season.
“Obviously being part of history, for a guy to change codes and to have a new fresh start at the Gold Coast (was appealing),” said Krakouer.
“I’ve been in the game for four years, so hopefully I can help him out and help him progress as well.”
