NEWLY-appointed Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade believes Gary Ablett can take a leaf out of basketball legend Michael Jordan's book and help the Suns rise to premiership glory.

Jordan was undoubtedly the NBA's greatest player early in his career, but took until his seventh season to win a championship with the Chicago Bulls.

It started a dynasty that would net the franchise six titles in eight seasons.

Eade says the Suns need to stop relying so heavily on Ablett – much like the Bulls had to with Jordan – and believes his 30-year-old captain can drag the best out of his teammates.


Ablett is still at the peak of his powers, and entering the fifth season in Suns history, Eade says he is ready to take his teammates to another level.

"The players I've spoken to … they're ready to take the mantle, take the pressure off Gary," Eade said at his first press conference in a Gold Coast polo shirt on Friday.

"I liken it to Michael Jordan at the Chicago Bulls, where he was the best player in the competition, but they didn't win a championship.

"It was his part as a leader, he was able to drag those players, educate and teach those players, to believe in themselves and take that to the next level, and I think Gary can do that."

Ablett is still recovering from shoulder surgery, but Eade said he would be available for day one of pre-season training.

The former Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs coach said the Suns had incredible talent on their list and there should be no limit to what they could achieve under his guidance.

CEO Andrew Travis said Eade was selected to help the Suns move directly into the finals in 2015 and ultimately win a flag.

Eade was not shying away from the expectations.

"I think sometimes teams put a ceiling on where they should perform to, and I'd like to take that ceiling off," he said.

"I think we aim for the stars and where that takes us only time will tell.

"I would like to think that with the two clubs I've been before, there's been some immediate reaction in terms of performance. 

"I would think that with the age profile and games profile of this group, we can make a step forward pretty quickly."