AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan admitted he is happy with the Gold Coast SUNS’ progress heading in to season No. 5, but has lofty expectations for the club in 2015.
After a disappointing finish to last season, the SUNS are confident they have the cattle to contest for a maiden finals series berth. On-field success is only one piece of the jigsaw puzzle, though, according to McLachlan, with membership growth and a settled football department also pivotal in building a successful football club.
“We couldn’t be happier with the way the SUNS are going. There’s been improvement pretty much in every area of the club year on year for the first four years and we sit here at the start of the 2015 season with high expectations,” McLachlan told SUNS TV on Tuesday afternoon.
“They’ve got a settled and incredibly talented list, a new coach, but one with a proven first-up record.
“Membership is 18-20% ahead last year - year on year. Expectations are high and we’re really comfortable with everything that’s going on up here.”
The head of the game’s governing body is under no illusion the project in non-traditional heartland is not something that will blossom overnight. Rather, it is something that needs to be nurtured to ensure longevity.
“We’ve invested a lot of money; the competition has. But, we’re also realistic about the timeframes around that and what success looks like,” McLachlan said.
“This is a 20 or 30-year decision – not a four or five year decision. We’re realistic about where they are at.”
VIDEO: Watch the entire Gillon McLachlan press conference that was held this morning at Metricon Stadium.
It’s not secret the SUNS boast one of the most exciting playing lists in the competition, with the change room at Metricon Stadium bursting with young talent.
With so many teams fighting for September action this season, McLachlan explained how momentous a maiden finals berth would be for the games 17th franchise.
“With the talent they have, they’re just exciting to watch, they’re one of the most exciting teams in the competition,” he said.
“So, I hope that sees them pushing deep into the eight this year. It will be a big and significant thing if they can play a final this year. Just an extraordinary step in the progression of this club.”
In the closing chapters of 2014, the SUNS embarked on a fresh direction under the guidance of first-time CEO Andrew Travis and new senior coach Rodney Eade.
McLachlan quipped the transitional period in Carrara had been seamless with both appointments settling into their respective roles with minimal fuss and with strong backing from head office.
“I don’t hear anything other than positive news externally. Our relationship has been great (with the pair),” McLachlan said.
“Rodney is incredibly experienced and I keep hearing of the significant impact he’s had with the playing group.
“We’ve known Andrew Travis for a long time and couldn’t be more pleased with his appointment and that’s pretty seamless. He’s been in the industry for a while, he’s got great relationships with head office.”
