Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has ensured fans the Suns are moving towards a stronger season, pulling out gardening metaphors to illustrate an on going plan.
"Our season is still very much alive and our best footy is still in front of us," Hardwick said.
Hardwick doubled down on his choice to bring in younger players, despite Gold Coasts slow slip down the ladder this season.
"What you've got to do, as a coach and as an organisation, you've got to look at and go, OK, we're short, what do we need to do to make that next step?" Hardwick said.
"We had a group of young players that were going to come in through our draft Academy that we needed to get into the football club. Like a rose bush, you've gotta trim, you've gotta prune."
Part of the pruning is ensuring the future of club, and the discussions around Jed Walter and Ben King's contract situations.
The pair have been linked to moves to rival sides, and Hardwick acknowledged King has earned the right to consider his options as a free agent.
"What that young man has done for our footy club is he's served his time and free agency is part of our game now," Hardwick said.
"It's his opportunity to explore. We understand that and respect that.
"What we are incredibly grateful for is the eight years he's provided us with and I want him to spend another eight here.
"There's no time frame on these things.
"He can decide this week, he can decide next week, he can decide in four weeks, he can decide at the end of the year."
As for Walter, he's deemed a pillar of Gold Coast's future.
"We think this guy is going to be a very very good AFL player," he said.
"Great key forwards are hard to find and we're very fortunate we have a number of those guys, and we want them all to stay here.
"Tasmania is coming in, so talent is at a premium.You've got to keep your very best players.
"Sometimes you might have to take one step back, but I guarantee you'll take two steps forward."
The Suns are set to play against Geelong at the GMHBA stadium this Friday.
