"Insane".
That's what Gold Coast recruit John Noble thinks of the crop of young talent at the Queensland club, who have been starved of success since their introduction in 2011.
Noble's blockbuster move from Collingwood to the Suns was due to multiple factors, namely his anxiety about his position in the senior side after missing out on the 2023 triumph.
Despite batting against all odds as a Mid-Season draftee from the 2019 crop, the former Pie played 112 games in the black and white (the most by a mid-season selection) but sought a fresh start at the struggling club.
A side led by experienced premiership coach Damien Hardwick.
"I wouldn't be coming here if I didn't think the club was in a position to play finals and push for a premiership," Noble said.
"That's certainly why I'm coming up to help as well. The club's in an amazing position … 2025's going to be exciting.
"After speaking to ‘Dimma' and following the club more closely, the young talent's insane, in my opinion, to play hungry footy the way they did this year and not playing finals was unlucky.
"They played enormous footy throughout the back end of the year, and for me coming in, I can't wait to be a part of that and push us to play finals."
Noble was contracted at the AIA Centre until the end of 2026, but after meeting 'Dimma' during the year, coupled with the lure of being closer to family, the move made sense.
"When I met with him early in the year, it was very positive, I loved his philosophy and his thoughts on the game," Noble added.
"He's done an amazing job in his first year at Gold Coast. Even when I was making the decision with my partner and family and watching Gold Coast with more intent, it was really awesome to see how hungry they were to go after it and making our home ground a fortress for the club and our supporters.
"I'm just really excited to be a part of it."
Collingwood was willing to keep the dashing defender but managed to strike a mega trade with the Suns and Port Adelaide, seeing Noble head north while Dan Houston returned to Victoria.
Gold Coast landed Noble alongside former Richmond player Daniel Rioli and Adelaide swingman Elliot Himmelberg during the trade period.
It will also welcome academy prospect Leo Lombard in the upcoming National Draft.
