The Gold Coast SUNS will be part of the new-look North East Australian Football League’s (NEAFL) as of 2014 following a series of changes that will ensure the League’s continued development as a leading second-tier Australian Football competition in New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and the ACT.

A range of structural and organisational changes have been implemented as part of the NEAFL’s long-term focus on increased competition standard and enhanced talent pathways. 

As a result of these changes, the NEAFL competition will comprise 14 clubs, reduced from the current total of 19 clubs. These changes will come into effect from the 2014 season.

The current two conference system comprising the Northern (QLD/NT teams) and Eastern (NSW/ACT teams) conferences will be abolished with all 14 teams operating under a singular competition.

In addition to a new-look competition, a series of operational measures have been established for the 2014 season, including improved compliance and financial benchmarking, as well as a commitment to bolstering talent pathways and enhancing state leagues.

GC SUNS Academy Manager – Jason Torney, said the club’s Academy program would remain committed to providing elite junior talent development and mentoring through the NEAFL competition.

“The GC SUNS Academy Program will continue to offer elite teenage prospects the opportunity to fast-track their AFL development by playing alongside the club’s senior-listed players on the cusp of First Grade football,” he said.

AFL National Second Tier Manager, Simon Laughton, said the structural changes were an essential step in the development of the NEAFL following its inception two years ago.

“As part of the NEAFL’s next phase of growth we are looking to further evolve the competition to meet new standards of professionalism both on and off the field,” Mr Laughton said.

“This is a natural progression for a competition that has established itself as the premier development league for the eastern and northern regions of Australia. 

“These changes will result in a better standard of competition while securing vitally important talent pathways. They will also ensure clubs in both metropolitan and regional communities continue to be professional, well run, financially viable organisations that maintain strong ties to the community and enable young athletes to reach their potential. 

“These changes have been reached following extensive consultation with all current NEAFL Clubs, and with the League’s long-term growth at the forefront of discussions. Those clubs that won’t be participating in next year’s NEAFL will receive ongoing support while continuing to provide opportunities and vital links to local communities.

“We look forward to a strong finish to the 2013 NEAFL season with a number of exciting changes now in place for next year and beyond.”