New players to join fight for Suns

THE Gold Coast Suns officially unveiled Nathan Bock and Nathan Krakouer as their first uncontracted player signings for season 2011 on the Gold Coast yesterday.

Senior coach Guy McKenna said the signing of Bock was to strengthen his young defensive brigade.

“One of our needs was key position players with experience,” he said.

“We feel we have some great young defenders in Hutchins, May, Coad and Hunt, so we will need some experience and size around them.”

“Nathan Bock fits those 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 the Adelaide Crows and join the Suns.

For him, the beaches were a definite appeal, as well as playing alongside the exciting young talent already at the team.

Krakouer enjoyed a breakout season last year for Port Adelaide.

While this year has been injury-marred, he will have the pre-season to freshen up and be right for Round 1.

The Suns are likely to announce a further four to six uncontracted player signings in the not too distant future.

CEO Travis Auld said the Suns will announce them when the timing is right, out of respect for those teams featuring in the finals.

“For those teams competing in the finals, we do not want to create any distraction,” he said.