As the curtains close on the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season for the Gold Coast SUNS, Senior Coach Stuart Dew is already excited by what next year could bring.

The SUNS finished the season with seven wins, the third-best finish for the club in its short history.

Speaking to media after the Round 23 match against Sydney, Dew said he was comfortable with rising expectations on the club for next season.

“We think we've improved… you're building a list, but not only that you're building a club, and a community as well,” Dew said.

“The winning will be the final piece and we understand that expectation is going to go up again next year and that's okay we get that.

“But we do feel like we've made strides in this last month and obviously like all teams we've had different stories to tell.

“We understand it's been a difficult period for the AFL and we're just grateful we can play and we'll look forward to having a break and getting back into it.”

It might not have been the finish to the season Dew was hoping for, but he said the group was committed to achieving success together in the future.

“Regardless of the last two results we know where we need to target both from a list and a training point of view so it’s getting back to work,” Dew said.

“Our players are really confident that this is the group to see it through and stick together.

“I think that’s the main message for all of us inside the footy club.”

The SUNS will crown a Club Champion in two week’s time on Sunday September 5.