2014 All-Australian Nick Malceski has quit the Swans and joined the Gold Coast Suns.
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The Gold Coast Suns have signed Sydney Swans defender Nick Malceski as an unrestricted free agent.
The All-Australian reportedly told Swans coach John Longmire on Monday afternoon he had accepted a three-year deal believed to be worth $1.5 million.
The 30-year-old has played 176 AFL matches since making his debut in 2005, which included kicking the winning goal in the 2012 grand final.
He will also join the Suns development academy as a coach.
Malceski admitted it was an extremely tough decision to leave the Swans, but saw the move as a great opportunity both professionally and lifestyle wise.
“I am sad to have to leave Sydney.
“It has been great to me and I owe the club so much. I came to the club as an 18-year-old and have become the person I am today because of this place and it’s people and culture.
“To have mentors like John Longmire, Brett Kirk and Adam Goodes was such a privilege and those habits, values and behaviours are forever with me.
“But this was too good an opportunity to miss both for my family and me personally.
“At Sydney I was surrounded by a depth of great leaders and at the Suns it is all new and young. I am looking forward to helping them build a sustainable and successful team.”
Suns list manager Scott Clayton said the club was thrilled about acquiring the penetrating half-back.
“Nick’s decision to join the Gold Coast Suns is huge,” Clayton said.
It’s a massive vote of confidence for our club, the players and our future.
“A great leader who brings premiership experience, Nick’s signing delivers us with a player who is at the top of his game, who we believe will make a major contribution over the next three years.”
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