Message from CEO Mark Evans.
To our valued members, supporters and partners.
This evening we received good news from the AFL that the men’s competition will start tomorrow and that changes to the AFLW season will see our SUNS’ side play finals this weekend.
Starting with the AFL:
Round 1 of the AFL season WILL start tomorrow night and, importantly, the SUNS will play this Saturday night against Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium.
As you would be aware, based on expert advice to manage the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), no fans will be able to attend AFL or AFLW games for the foreseeable future but you will still be able to enjoy our games.
Details about the rest of the fixture still needs to be determined but, earlier this week, we were told it will be a 17-Round season (plus finals). This decision ensures the integrity of the competition and gives the AFL flexibility to manage challenges as they arise.
AFLW latest:
The AFL also announced that the final two rounds of the AFLW season will be cancelled and the competition will head straight into a finals series.
It is incredibly exciting to have found out this evening there will be a top 4 (per conference) finals series which means our SUNS will play finals in their inaugural season. We couldn’t be prouder of the way our AFLW players and staff have conducted themselves throughout the 2020 season.
While there is plenty for the industry to absorb in tonight’s announcements, there is now more clarity for our AFL and AFLW players, members, fans and partners.
We can now look forward to enjoying and sharing the season together which is great because footy is such a good part of life.
There will be still bumps along the way this season as we manage the spread of COVID-19, and it remains possible we will have a pause in games. We will just deal with that as it comes.
We know that some people will have questions regarding their 2020 memberships and corporate hospitality packages and we are working through what this ever-evolving situation and season looks like for you.
We thank-you for your patience while we determine our next course of action, which we will communicate as soon as possible. Your support of the club is crucial - without it we wouldn’t be able to exist and we appreciate the strong backing you have given us.
Information for current ticket holders, including corporate hospitality clients, will be announced once more details about the 2020 season are known.
We encourage our members and fans to watch our games on the Seven Network, Foxtel, the AFL App with thanks to Telstra, and through radio broadcast partners. You can also engage with the club on our digital channels.
As I outlined recently, the SUNS have taken strong action to contain the virus including closing our Austworld Centre facility to the public (including administration offices and our shop), however, our membership and customer service team will be available by phone from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday and you can reach the club via email on gcmembership@goldcoastfc.com.au. All administration staff are now working remotely and the AFL and AFLW programs have been separated.
Clearly, it has not been an easy start to the season but at the SUNS we say ‘Challenge Accepted’.
Please look after yourself, your family and friends and go SUNS!
*For up to date information on the COVID-19 virus and health advice, please visit the Australian Federal Government Department of Health page here.
