The Gold Coast SUNS have agreed to release reserves coach Shaun Hart from the final year of his contract, allowing him to accept the role of Director of Coaching with the Port Adelaide Football Club.
Hart, who joined the club during its bid phase in late 2008, has provided wonderful service as an assistant coach in the under 18's and VFL and as reserves coach since 2011 in the NEAFL.
GC SUNS CEO, Travis Auld paid tribute to Hart's legacy.
"Shaun has played a significant role in establishing our football club and has passed on many of his great qualities to our players and staff."
Auld, who made the decision to release Hart in consultation with General Manager - Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, Senior Coach, Guy McKenna and Coaching Advisor, Malcolm Blight acknowledged that Hart had been presented an opportunity with significantly more responsibility.
"Releasing Shaun from his contract was a difficult decision and one made after considerable thought and consultation. In the end we agreed we wouldn't be allowing Shaun to develop as a person and a coach if we restricted him from accepting this role with significantly greater responsibilities. Also, with our structure and current personnel, it is also highly unlikely that we would be in a position to offer Shaun similar experience in the near future," Auld said.
Auld is confident the club can cover Hart's departure without any impact on preparations for the 2014 season.
"At the end of the 2013 season, Andy Lovell was promoted to the role of Head of Development, and we interviewed a large number of suitable candidates to fill two development coaching roles that saw the appointments of former Collingwood and Gold Coast player Josh Fraser and former Morningside NEAFL coach Aaron Rogers.
"With Josh coming back to the club, along with Aaron Rogers, we are in a position to continue our strong preparations for the 2014 season without any impact on the playing group," Auld said.
The club sincerely wishes Shaun and his family success with their move and his new role with the Port Adelaide Football Club.
