AFL Team Profile: Gold Coast

Gold Coast Suns head into a new era in 2024 with premiership winning coach Damien Hardwick now at the helm.

The Suns were nowhere near finals in 2023 which lead to the departure of head coach Stuart Dew, who was then replaced by Hardwick.

It could take a bit of time for the former Richmond Tigers coach to work some magic, but there is now a buzz about the club at the very least.

Hopes are now high on the Gold Coast, and the Suns can be backed at 2.75 to make the top eight and play finals.

Gold Coast fail to shine in 2023

Gold Coast had a disappointing campaign in 2023, finishing in 14th spot on the ladder with just nine wins from 23 games.

There were hopes of pushing for finals heading into the season, but they failed to deliver, which resulted in the departure of Dew.

They picked up just one win in the opening five games and that set the tone for the remainder of the 2023 campaign.

The Suns did have some highlights, including a surprise win over arch rivals Brisbane, while they also put Adelaide to the sword.

However, there was not enough of them and the ladder position says it all.

Gold Coast only joined the AFL in 2011 and have yet to extend their season into September by playing finals.

Dew could not take them there either and lost his job, and now all eyes will be on Hardwick to see if he can break the drought.

Key players

The Suns have some quality on their list, but the biggest signing has to be that of new head coach Hardwick.

Hardwick recently lead Richmond to three grand final victories before stepping away from the club midway through last season.

He still had 18 months remaining on his contract, but stated that he needed to take a break from the game.

Hardwick has now done that, albeit a short one, and is refreshed and ready to go once again. He has penned a six-year deal with the Suns and there could be some exciting times ahead.

The new coach has revealed how excited he is to work with a new crop of players and believes he has a very talented list.

Sam Collins is set to be key to the Suns defence in 2024, and along with Charlie Ballard, is a player to watch out for in the season ahead.

In midfield the Suns have the talented Jarrod Witts, Touk Miller, Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell.

Turning to the forwards and Ben King and Jack Lukosius are expected to spearhead the attack.

Tigers first up

It had to happen, Hardwick’s first game as head coach of Gold Coast is against his former club, Richmond Tigers, on Saturday 9th March.

The Suns will be on home soil and are priced at 1.52 to begin with a win, while the Tigers are 2.55 to upset the party.

The week after, Gold Coast are at home again, with Adelaide arriving. The Suns are 1.78, with the Crows 2.05.