Off-contract Gold Coast spearhead Ben King has looked to reassure Suns fans his future remains in Queensland.
The three-time Suns leading goalkicker is expected to be in high demand from clubs in his home state of Victoria, much like the levels of interest he received prior to his last re-signing with the Suns two years ago.
With that deal reaching its expiry this year, King has another big call to make on his future as Gold Coast move to lock away another top star and outbid keen rival clubs.
The Suns' potential maiden finals berth this year, coupled with strong friendships and an enjoyable lifestyle on the Gold Coast are major factors that could see the former top six draft selection remain with the Suns.
Speaking to 3AW, King said he sees himself remaining with the Suns for the long haul.
"Yeah definitely," King said when asked if he was close to recommitting with the club.
"I've maintained what I've been saying my whole time I've been with the Suns. I love the footy club, I love the people here.
"I'm more confident than ever in football terms that we're really heading in the right direction.
"The close friendships I've got at the club (are a factor in staying). Coming up here as an 18-year-old, you don't know anyone. As a result, we're all really close with each other.
"I'm lucky to have a lot of guys I know I'll be friends with for life. That's definitely a big part of it.
"The lifestyle up here is incredible. I know all of the boys are on the same page and that they love living up here too.
"It's a combination of a lot of things, to be honest. I've had great support from my family and I'm really settled up here."
King also made note of the 'Melbourne fishbowl' that comes with being a big-game player in the football centric state of Victoria.
With twin brother and St Kilda star Max at times on the end of criticism and constant questions over expectations, remaining in Queensland has its benefits for Ben.
"Although football is building up here, it doesn't compare to what Melbourne players deal with. That side of it doesn't really appeal to me massively," he said.
"I don't play football to be recognised. I play it because I love the game. So it's really not a factor.
"I've seen Max go through it a fair bit, [the attention] can be brutal down there. That's the double-edged sword of footy."
King is coming off his second successive 40-goal campaign with the Suns, with the pair of impressive seasons divided by a year on the sidelines due to an ACL injury.
Tipped to take his game a step further in 2024 with another full pre-season under his belt and the arrival of coaching mastermind Damien Hardwick, King is ready to make his mark and help steer his side to September.
While continuing to hone his on-field craft remains key, King revealed he's placing a large focus on the mental side of his game to become a more efficient player for the Suns.
"I'm just driving for consistency," King said of his 2024 goals.
"I was really up and down last year. In some games I felt I was playing really well and in others I wasn't.
"I've got to and have been putting a lot of work into the mental side of the game. Hopefully that will allow me to play more consistent football and drive us toward finals.
"It's just about as important as the physical part of the game. At the Suns we have really great resources in that area."
The Suns' 2024 campaign will commence in Opening Round early next month with a meeting against Richmond at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday, March 9.
