AFTER listening to AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou address the crowd at this year's Toyota AFL Premiership Season Launch, it was easy to gauge how significant 2011 would be for the league.

In fact, after listing what lies ahead for the AFL this year alone, Demetriou summed it up perfectly after stating how no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of taking the game to another level.

"Yes, 2011 will be big. In fact, I'm exhausted just thinking about it … and it's only March," Demetriou said, at the function held at the Regent Theatre's Plaza Ballroom.

The evening as a whole had a Gold Coast flavour to it, and why wouldn't the Suns dominate proceedings as their April 2 debut nears.

In a historic year for the game, the Suns will step out onto the Gabba in round two to face Carlton after two years of building up to the moment.

And, the new dawn that comes with their introduction won't just feature their presence in the home and away calendar; there are many other positives to come from the Suns' entry into the AFL competition.

"[Gold Coast] will be a club that will play in a brand new stadium in one of Australian's fastestgrowing regions," Demetriou said.

"A club that will contribute to that region beyond just its achievements on the football field.

"A club that will drive tourism and economic growth but also continue to give back to the community."

Gold Coast chairman John Witheriff thanked the other 16 clubs - all of which were represented by their respective captains at the function - for their help in the development of the Suns' concept.

"Without the support of the other AFL clubs represented here tonight, the Gold Coast Suns would remain just an idea. A pipe dream," he said.

"That the dream is now a reality is in no small way thanks to the unity of the people in this room, people who took a leap of faith that would change the game forever.

"People who put the interests of the game ahead of their own. People who know that together we can achieve so much more than we can by ourselves.

"In 16 days from now this unity and goodwill will come to an end when the Gold Coast plays its first game in the AFL. Well, it couldn't last forever could it?"

Outside of the Suns' inaugural season, the AFL's agenda remains comprehensive, bold and important to the future of the game.

The new collective bargaining agreement will be resolved with the AFLPA and the broadcasting rights for the next five years will be finalised, which will ensure more money is invested back into all levels of the game.

Stadium upgrades will occur across the country with the completion of Carrara (Metricon Stadium) in thenext few months as well as redevelopments at the MCG, Adelaide Oval, the Sydney Showgrounds and potentially Patersons Stadium.

With Greater Western Sydney entering its final year before its own introduction into the big league, the AFL will also look to ensure both the new and existing teams will remain financially workable.

"In 2011, we will conduct a review of the equalization system to ensure we have 18 financially viable and secure clubs but also provide incentives for clubs to they can all compete equally for premierships," Demetriou said.

"In 2011 we will unveil our season structure for 2012 and beyond as we move to an 18 team competition with the entry of the GWS Giants.

"Like we did with our Next Generation strategy, in 2011 we will outline our blueprint for the next five years to secure the future of the game across Australia."

Demetriou, speaking after a stirring 3D video of the first 2010 Grand Final and a montage of the second that followed on from Nick Maxwell's personal recollection, also congratulated the effort of the clubs and players to raise $650,000 to flood relief in Queensland alone, with the Brisbane Lions and Suns players an integral part of the community aid.

And, he said the upcoming season promised more enjoyment than ever with the Suns set to make a splash.

"Together we'll share the excitement. We'll see for ourselves. We'll celebrate everything we love about our great game," he said.

"As the umpire holds the ball in the air to start the game, we'll momentarily hold our breath and know there's nothing quite like it … and there's nothing quite like being there."