GOLD Coast explored trying to recruit Hawthorn great Jarryd Roughead as his future was in limbo towards the end of last season.

Despite being contracted for 2019, the four-time premiership forward and dual All Australian spoke with his coach Alastair Clarkson about a deal similar to those that saw club legends Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis leave for other clubs at the end of 2016.

FANTASY FORM WATCH  Pig, rage trades and your questions

Mitchell headed to West Coast and Lewis to Melbourne.

Roughead, then the Hawks captain, elected to stay, but there was at least one potential suitor, as Suns coach Stuart Dew admitted to Melbourne radio station SEN on Tuesday with a laugh.

"I won't lie, I made a few phone calls," Dew said.

BARRETT Ice-cold Clarko's Roughy dilemma, Ablett doubles down

"Just to enquire about what his plans were. He was clear on what this year looked like for him, but I think he was keen to stay the course and be part of that immediate handover.

"I know they've done it with other players who have left, and there's been a swift handover, but I think Roughy, even looking at the vision of him on the weekend, he's as unselfish as you get and I think that's why he's able to be in the environment still and do the handover.

"He was really keen to stay on at that footy club and it'll work out fine for him. I mean, look at his career. He's unbelievable. Not only just his footy career, but his life journey. I'm biased, but I'm not alone in those thoughts."

Roughead was dropped to the VFL last week, out of the side for the first time since March 2012, when he was returning from a torn left Achilles tendon.

Despite kicking five goals for Box Hill, the 32-year-old faces the prospect of never again featuring in the AFL.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast has brought in a former St Kilda big man to help guide its young key brigade.

"We've recently got Justin Koschitzke, who has moved up to northern New South Wales, and recently got him on board, in a similar vein, just getting out to training and working with our keys," Dew said.

"We've got some good young key forwards and some older ones as well. Just having that player fresh out of the game, just some little tricks of the trade.

MID-SEASON ROOKIE DRAFT Former players, brothers of star on the list

"That's only just started and it's certainly an important part for us. I think the boys will enjoy having Kozi around.

"There's two parts. (He brings) a lot of knowledge and experience but also, he's really unselfish and obviously a team player, and he's keen to help. That's the main part of coaching really. You've got to be keen to help."