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David Swallow enters a 14th season with Gold Coast chasing a maiden finals appearance, optimistic their talented list and a new coach can "get the place going".

Naivety isn't bliss for David Swallow.

The Gold Coast mainstay is preparing for his 14th AFL season and has never played finals.

Teammates like Brandon Ellis, who won two premierships in three years with Richmond before moving north in 2020, reckon Swallow just doesn't know any better.

But there is a sense that the 31-year-old Swallow, who is contracted until the end of next season, does know exactly what he's missing out on.

"I'll play as long as a I can and especially with everything that's been happening," he told AAP in reference to the arrival of three-time Tigers premiership coach Damien Hardwick.

"I've been here a long time, wouldn't want to leave too soon."

The Suns have never finished higher than 12th but have been on the cusp of post-season action in their last two campaigns.

"It's been the dream all along to play finals, to play in those games," Swallow said.

"That'd be a dream come true, but also great for all the people in the club that have been here a while that have invested their lives to try and get this place going."

Ellis, a year younger than Swallow and off contract beyond this season, marvels at Swallow's resilience, patience and commitment.

"I ask him, because I don't know how he does it, showing up every year and having holidays at the start of September," he told AAP.

"He just doesn't know any different, but that is the best time to be playing footy.

"Coming here and not doing it, it bloody stings. Hopefully he gets a taste of it this year.

"It'll be awesome to run out next to him into a finals campaign - nobody deserves it more in the AFL.

"He's been so loyal. I'm sure he could have easily gone back to WA, said, 'stuff this'.

"He loves this club and cares so much."

Swallow is optimistic given the swelling talent of the group and a new, well-credentialed coach.

But he knows he's been in this position before.

"It's hard to say, but with where the list is at, it's a great opportunity," he said of their finals chances.

"We can jump those teams we've fallen behind in the last few years and we've been pretty close for the last two years ... we can take that next step."

Swallow, traditionally a midfielder who pushes forward to kick goals, has been tried at halfback in the pre-season.

"As a player you always knew where he was. He's hard, he's tough, hunts the opposition," new Suns assistant coach and former Richmond player Shaun Grigg said.

"As a coach he's the opposite; unassuming, goes about his business.

"He can play a number of positions for us. Where he ends up, not sure"