Fledgling AFL club Gold Coast are wary of the treacherous early path worn by the Brisbane Bears and have banned their players from socialising in the area's famous nightclub districts.

GCFC assistant coach Shaun Hart, who debuted with the Brisbane Bears in 1990, said the new club was determined to create a strong and healthy culture and be respected in the region and in the AFL.

He said the ban on attending nightclubs in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach without a club clearance was one step in creating high standards of discipline for players.

"I reckon in the Bears days that (Surfers Paradise) was the most visited place from players," Hart told AAP.

"That's what led to what the Bears were like on-field; a dysfunctional group because there was dysfunctional activity outside of football and that was the culture that I saw.

"We have to be really wary that we have leadership that reflects that (discipline) and the right blokes who are influencing the group.

"If you want to go in there (Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach) and you are having a party or something, it's about consulting the leadership group and getting the approval."

Hart told AAP it was very easy for young players to be caught in the possible trappings of life in a popular holiday destination when on a very good income.

He said the Bears got off to a bad start because a lot of the players who moved to the Coast from other clubs were entrenched in their ways and it was difficult to create a new culture.

"My first two years I got caught up in it at times, just here and there, and I realise how strong that influence can be if you do not have a good leaders and a good culture," Hart said.

Gold Coast was determined to ensure a positive, disciplined environment for its crop of young, emerging players.

"The main things for us are to develop players with leadership and character which enables the whole group to have strong people to influence their decisions and their lives," he said.

"We've got young men who are very pliable in terms that they're fresh; they're like sponges and want to learn how do I become a successful player and person?"

"They haven't got formed attitudes and opinions as former players may have and so you get that blank canvas."

Hart saw firsthand how quickly a club with little established fabric can fall apart but he also experienced how a well-drilled and disciplined club can be successful during three straight premierships with the Brisbane Lions.

"From the Lions days, in term of what I most want to see happen, is the abiding by the acronym RARE, which stands for Recognition, Appreciation, Reward and Encouragement," Hart said.

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