FIRE UP 2014
GCS is the official annual member publication of the Gold Coast SUNS. Editors: Sophie Bell & Stephen Wilson Contributors: Sophie Bell, Peter Blucher, Matt Brockie, Sara Francis, Ben Jaensch, Sean Tobin & Stephen Wilson
Photography: AFL Media, SMP Images, Matt Brockie, Ben Jaensch Produced by: Nude Publishing Art Direction & Production: Nude Creative
Gold Coast SUNS Metricon Stadium, Nerang-Broadbeach Rd, Carrara, QLD 4211. PO Box 4952, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD 9726 Telephone: (07) 5510 6000 Facsimile: (07) 5594 1354 Email: info@goldcoastfc.com.au Website: goldcoastfc.com.au
57
28
22
34
06
44
CONTENTS 02 Executive Report
31 Tourist Operators Windfall
48 History & Records
06 Gary the Great
32 2014 Fixture
50 Community Update
10 Coach’s Report
34 Zac Smith
54 It’s the Disney Difference
13 Season Highlights & Summary
36 Young SUNS on the Rise
57 Leadership Group
22 Jaeger O’Meara
38 Five-Year Loyal Members
59 Player Profiles
24 Club Champion
40 Coaching Staff
79 Gold Coast SUNS Talent Academy
28 Jack Martin
44 Arizona - Raising the Bar
80 North Queensland
PARTNERS Foundation partner
major support partners
major partner
patron partner
airline partner
official support partners
stadium partner
Executive Report Saturday, 20 July, 2013. A crowd of 19,721 packed into Metricon Stadium to see the Gold Coast SUNS post a sensational sevenpoint win over Collingwood. It was a defining moment in the club’s short but proud and passionate history. The GC SUNS’ first win over arguably Australia’s most famous sporting club, formed in 1892, and the first win in 60 games against a side sitting in the top eight on the AFL ladder.
The GC SUNS brand is recognised and respected nationally on the sporting landscape and in three short years we’ve won considerable recognition for the innovative, market-specific way we go about our business. Metricon Stadium, firmly entrenched as a leader in the competition for spectator experience, is now a prominent sporting landmark on the Gold Coast and a must-visit destination for supporters of opposition clubs.
The unashamed emotional explosion in red, gold and blue on both sides of the fence as the siren sounded was unforgettable, and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Gold Coast fans.
It has also built a name as a wonderful host venue for non-AFL events like “Big Day Out”, which was a huge success earlier this year. This is an additional income stream that is important strategically for the club.
Regardless of the success that follows on and off the field it was a moment that sent a message to vastly more experienced and established AFL rivals. We’d beaten the team that everyone in the AFL traditionally loves to beat most. No longer are we to be taken lightly. We are here to stay.
On the field we are starting to enjoy the benefits of investing in an exciting young team under senior coach Guy McKenna and captain Gary Ablett.
And so we are! Indeed, five years into our existence and three years into life in Australia’s toughest sporting environment, we are by any measure right on track.
2
Off the field, we’ve built a strong membership and a loyal corporate base, and established an enthusiastic and engaging relationship with all levels of a Gold Coast community that understands the pivotal role we will play in a social and economic sense and is proud to call the GC SUNS their own.
Collectively, we were delighted to see our team’s vastly improved on-field performance, measured most simply by eight wins in 2013 after three wins each in 2011 and 2012, and more anecdotally an encouraging on-field competitiveness. 2013 reaffirmed our belief that the future looks bright.
We are exactly where we had had hoped to be when the journey of the AFL’s 17th team began with the pursuit of an AFL licence back in 2009.
It is a playing group of which we are very proud, and while football should and always will be our core business we take very seriously our role and responsibility in investing in the Gold Coast community.
The AFL Commission, with a significant investment in the code in south-east Queensland, have assured us they are well satisfied with the club’s progress through the first three years and share our optimism for the future.
We are committed to continued support of our three key pillars in homelessness, domestic violence and the northern corridor, and are enormously proud to have delivered 5000 community hours in each of the last three years.
| Executive Report | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
More specifically, we acknowledge and thank a wonderful group of sponsors headed by HostPlus, Fiat, Metricon and Virgin Australia, and our patron partner, the Southport Sharks, along with our many other valued partners. We should also take this opportunity to recognise and thank our 12,500 members. The players certainly appreciate your incredible support each week. It would be remiss on behalf of all supporters not to recognise three standout individual and historic achievements by members of our playing group who have done our club proud. Congratulations to Gary Ablett, who won his third consecutive club champion award, and to Dion Prestia and Jaeger O’Meara, who completed the placings. Also to Rory Thompson, who was judged HostPlus Most Professional and Victor Sports Most Improved, to Danny Stanley, who won the Players’ Player, and NEAFL Player of the Year Jack Martin. In an extraordinary year, Gary confirmed his ranking as the No.1 player in the game when he also won the coveted Brownlow Medal for the first time as a GC SUNS player and the second time overall. In doing so he became just the fifth player in AFL history to win the game’s top individual award at two different clubs. Jaeger underlined his enormous potential when he won the NAB AFL Rising Star Award and the AFL Players’ Association Best First-Year Player. Remarkably, he polled 44 of a possible 45 first-choice votes from the judging panel for a runaway win in what is now recognised as one of the AFL’s most prestigious awards.
goldcoastfc.com.au
John Witheriff
Travis Auld We value highly relationships with such key stakeholders as the AFL, State and Federal Governments and the Gold Coast City Council, and thank each for their support and assistance in the ever-challenging task we face in building a new AFL club.
The GC SUNS brand is recognised and respected nationally on the sporting landscape and in three short years we’ve won considerable recognition for the innovative, market-specific way we go about our business. And Zac Smith typified the GC SUNS’ highly-valued community spirit when he won the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award in recognition of his commitment to helping others. More particularly, he was rewarded for his work as the GC SUNS’ Domestic Violence Awareness Ambassador, whereby through the GC SUNS’ Horizons program he worked hard to help reduce domestic violence and youth homelessness, and the White Ribbon Ambassador, targeting violence against women, among other charity organisations. As much as the Round 17 win over Collingwood was considered by many as the highlight of the year, there were a string of other unforgettable occasions that peppered a 2013 season marred only by an inordinate injury count at times. In Round 1 we opened the season with a 13-point win over St.Kilda at Metricon, sending an early warning of what was to follow, and in Round 9 we beat Melbourne by 10 goals to register our first win at the MCG.
FIRE UP | Executive Report |
3
Our aim is to make the GC SUNS the club of the Gold Coast people, and we are proud to say we are well on our way to achieving that goal.
In Round 11 at Metricon we hit back from a goalless first quarter and a 32-1 scoreline early in the second quarter to post a 15-point win over North Melbourne, and in Round 23 we posted our highest score (22-14-146) and biggest winning margin (83 points) against the GWS Giants at Metricon to close out the season. In addition to the more heavily documented football KPI’s, we were especially proud of a range of other off-field achievements: • Membership Growth After a membership of 11,141 in 2011 and 11,204 in 2012, membership pleasingly grew again in 2013 to 12,502. Thank you to every one of you. • Crowds Despite hosting only two of the so-called “big” Melbourne clubs in Collingwood and Carlton our aggregate Metricon attendance reached a record 152,980, giving us an average home crowd of 13,907. The attendance of 19,721 against Collingwood and 19,460 against Carlton ranked third and fourth in GC SUNS history behind 2011 games against Collingwood (23,302) and Geelong (21,485). • T V Audiences On the back of wonderful support from the Seven Network, 7Mate and Fox Footy, we had in excess of 9.2 million total viewers in 2013 including every GC SUNS game televised live on both broadcasters throughout Queensland. • Online Traffic Over 2 millions page views in 2013. • Facebook Brownlow On the night of Gary winning the Brownlow we had 22,000 people talking about the GC SUNS on Facebook alone. Equally satisfying was the regular feedback we received throughout the season. Whether it be the local supermarket, coffee shop or restaurant, whenever we talked to people within our community it was nothing but positive and exciting. Thank you. Our aim is to make the GC SUNS the club of the Gold Coast people, and we are proud to say we are well on our way to achieving that goal. Looking forward to 2014, we will focus our efforts on further consolidating our home connection and target continued growth in all the key areas as quite unashamedly we set our sights on September. It is an undeniable fact that despite pleasing membership growth the GC SUNS sit at the tail of the AFL membership ladder. It’s not an unexpected position but with membership
4
| Executive Report | FIRE UP
remaining the lifeblood of AFL clubs we cannot stress enough the need for us to grow again in this area. Accordingly, we ask all of our supporters and all patriotic Gold Coasters to get behind the GC SUNS and not only become a member in 2014 but encourage others to do likewise. The players have been training incredibly hard over the pre-season, including a demanding training camp in Arizona in early November. We were delighted to receive a 2014 home fixture which again includes Collingwood, plus 201011-12 premiers Geelong, Sydney and Hawthorn, local rivals Brisbane and first-time Metricon Stadium visitors Richmond and West Coast. To underpin the next stage of our club’s development, which is largely about continued on-field growth and success, we have launched the “Fire Up” campaign for 2014. Pre-season feedback was overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to doing just that this year. With a slightly longer horizon, we are excited about to the upcoming 2018 Commonwealth Games, presenting a wonderful opportunity not just for the GC SUNS and Metricon Stadium but the broader Gold Coast community. With Metricon Stadium to be an anchor point in the Carrara precinct, we are working closely with Games organisers and all associated bodies to ensure that we help put on a wonderful event. In closing, we wish to record our appreciation for the wonderful commitment and contribution of Board members Alan Mackenzie, Bob East, Bob Gordon, Janelle Manders, Paul Scurrah and Tony Cochrane, along with our incredible talented, passionate and committed staff. We relish the fact that every member of our staff is proud to work for the Gold Coast SUNS. Also, thanks to the countless volunteers who add a real depth of passion to our work force, and to the players who continue to work for the on-field success that is a burning motivation for everyone connected with the club. It’s a wonderfully exciting time to be involved with the Gold Coast SUNS. See you at the footy. FIRE UP!
TRAVIS AULD Chief Executive Officer
JOHN WITHERIFF Chairman
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Gary Ablett
6
| Gary the Great | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Gary the Great It was a year our game will never forget. An individual season like no other in AFL/VFL history, filled with a highlights package that often left his fellow team mates marvelling at their once in a lifetime skipper.
From dancing his way through a tiding of Magpies, to palming off a murder of Crows, or slotting another Goal of the Year nomination, there were a bank of memorable moments from Gold Coast SUNS skipper Gary Ablett in 2013. It was a year our game will never forget. In September 2012, the Gold Coast champion was still pondering what more he needed to do to help his team take another step forward. Fast forward 12 months, and Ablett is centre-stage accepting his second Brownlow Medal in front of in excess of a million viewers across the country after leading his young chargers to a season of stark on-field improvement. Averaging 31 disposals and better than a goal a match, Ablett produced one of the best individual seasons of all time. Breaking his own previous record, Ablett was voted by his peers as the AFL Players’ Association Most Valuable Player, claiming the award for a fifth time, polling 1,479 votes to be an unprecedented 1,000 clear of runner-up Joel Selwood. Picking up a seventh All-Australian jumper and a fifth career Best & Fairest when he sealed his third successive Gold Coast SUNS Club Championship, Ablett entered
goldcoastfc.com.au
the 84th annual Brownlow Medal night as the players overwhelming favourite. In front of the game’s biggest stars, Ablett once again edged out former Geelong teammate in Joel Selwood, as the 253game star midfielder was presented with the AFL’s highest individual honour – becoming the first Gold Coast SUNS player to be crowned the Brownlow Medal winner. On Brownlow night, confident he would be taking home his second “Charlie”, GC SUNS senior coach Guy McKenna said Ablett’s ability to take his game to another level while the rest of his Gold Coast teammates continued to find their feet in the national competition had been his most impressive achievement. “To achieve what he has been able to achieve, while the likes of Dion Prestia, David Swallow and Jaeger O’Meara matured around him, made his Brownlow year even more the impressive,” McKenna said. McKenna is in no rush to contemplate life after Ablett, with the superstar captain indicating his desire to play on at the end of his current playing contract in 2015, the Gold Coast coach says his continued service both on-and-off the field had set a standard for the club’s emerging stars.
FIRE UP | Gary the Great |
7
8
| Gary the Great | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
“Not only is he a constant professional, but he has been such a great servant for the establishment of our football club,” he said. “Gary’s leadership and experience has been invaluable, and no doubt his presence has helped lay a foundation for future success at Metricon Stadium.” Always the humble champion, Ablett lavished praise on his teammates for their outstanding contributions throughout the 2013 season, with five Gold Coasters averaging 20+ disposals including nuggetty midfielder and Club Champion runner-up Dion Prestia, who averaged 25 touches a game. “It always makes it easier to play well when your teammates play well,” Ablett said. “We enjoyed a memorable year, together as a team. Hopefully we can look at building on that after turning in an even better pre-season this summer.” Ablett, 29, still believes he has plenty to offer, and believes he may spend even more time in the forward line in the coming years.
goldcoastfc.com.au
“Not only is he a constant professional, but he has been such a great servant for the establishment of our football club” “Although the body is still feeling great, the reality is I’m getting older and will no doubt have to start moving up forward soon,” he said. However, with Prestia, O’Meara and Swallow safely buckled in the driving seat, Ablett says the keys to the team’s midfield engine is in safe hands. “The great thing for our members and fans is that many of our young midfielders are now stepping up and playing more game time.” “It’s an exciting time for our playing group, and with the entire Gold Coast Football Club ready to fire up in 2014, there’s never been a better time to get behind the team and wave your red and yellow flags at Metricon Stadium.”
FIRE UP | Gary the Great |
9
COACH’S REPORT The numbers don’t lie. After 19 losses by 10 goals or more in 2011-12 and an average losing margin of 59 points the GC SUNS avoided 10-goal losses completely in 2013 and had an average losing margin of just 29 points. Our overall percentage increased from 51.4 in 2011 and 56.6 in 2012 to 92.5 in 2013 as our total quarters won increased from 22 and 26 in our first two years to 38 quarters won in 2013. This underlines the most pleasing aspect of our third AFL season – that we were able to compete harder for longer. Only twice were we not within five goals at three-quarter time. Most weeks the game was at least in the balance midway through the final term. The challenge in 2014 is to continue this encouraging trend. But as we look forward to an exciting future it would be inappropriate not to momentarily look back to recognise the contribution of players no longer at the club. Jared Brennan, Campbell Brown, Maverick Weller, Joel Wilkinson, Jacob Gillbee, Liam Patrick and Kyal Horsley have each played an important role in the establishment and development of the AFL’s 17th club and will forever hold a place in club history. To each we say thank you and well done. Similarly, as we add daily to a short but proud history, we recognise those who played their 50th game for the GC SUNS in 2013. They were the first nine players to post a half century for the club, and in order they were Gary Ablett, Jared Brennan, Jarrod Harbrow, Trent McKenzie, Matt Shaw, Danny Stanley, David Swallow, Harley Bennell and Dion Prestia.
10
| Coach’s Report | FIRE UP
Also, the significant AFL career miletones of GC SUNS players – Ablett’s 250th game, Brown’s 200th game, Michael Rischitelli’s 150th game and Tom Murphy’s 100th AFL game. As a senior coach, too, I want to acknowledge the critical addition in 2013 of three key members to our off-field team. High Performance Manager Stephen Schwerdt took our training and preparation to a new level, while assistantcoaches Matthew Primus and Mark Riley, each with senior AFL coaching experience, brought fantastic energy, expertise and enthusiasm to their respective midfield and forward line roles. While it is often folly to individualise in such a team game it would be singularly inappropriate not to acknowledge the extraordinary 2013 achievements of the mercurial Ablett. In addition to his third consecutive GC SUNS club championship our captain won his second Brownlow Medal to join Ian Stewart, Peter Moore, Greg Williams and Chris Judd as players to have won the games most coveted individual award at two different clubs. Plus, his fifth AFLPA Most Valuable Player Award (by more than 1000 votes), his seventh AllAustralian jumper, and Age/3AW, Herald Sun and Channel 9 player of the year awards. There isn’t a day that passes when I’m not amazed by the way Ablett goes about his football. He’s the ultimate professional but, moreover, he’s the ultimate competitor. And while he fully understands that for the GC SUNS to get better we need players around him to improve he is fiercely determined to defend his standing as the No.1 player on the Gold Coast. He’s top dog and wants to stay that way for as long as possible. In 66 AFL games the GC SUNS have played 61 different AFL players. On a year-by-year basis we’ve used 46, 44 and 42 players. And therein lies our first mission for 2014. Given that history tells us the AFL premiers use on average 31 different players we must begin to settle our side down if we are to build the continuity and chemistry necessary for prolonged success. While I as a coach and we as a club have marvelled at the
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Guy McKenna
It won’t be easy but nothing good ever is. The boys are up for the challenge. Bring it on.
extraordinary job Gary Ablett has done over the past three years even more exciting is the prospect of a GC SUNS midfield not so reliant on the mercurial Ablett, and instead built around Dion Prestia, Jaeger O’Meara, David Swallow and an as yet untried Jack Martin, among others. We as a club were by intention inactive during the 2013 trade period because we were content with the playing list Scott Clayton has expertly put together. Giving justification at least in part to that view was the fact that five GC SUNS players - Prestia, O’Meara, Tom Nicholls, Rory Thompson and Trent McKenzie - were named in the 2013 AFLPA 22 Under 22 team, the equivalent All-Australian under 22 side. No other club had more than two representatives. Still, we are excited by Martin’s elevation to the senior playing list after a 12-month apprenticeship during which he was, regrettably, not eligible to play at AFL level. Similarly, we welcome 2013 draftees Kade Kolodjashnij, Jack Leslie and Sean Lemmens, and rookies Louis Herbert and Jared Ellis. The collective expectation of the AFL community on the GC SUNS in 2014 is that we’ll be finals contenders. And while I’m loath to be too definitive we’d be selling ourselves short if
goldcoastfc.com.au
we didn’t aim to be there or thereabouts come September. Certainly, we will look to be in the mix as the calendar ticks over to August. It has been heartening to see how whole-heartedly the players have embraced our 2014 training philosophy ‘Hard to Harder’. We’ve seen and heard the application and understanding, and noticed quite clearly a harder edge to training. There is a total understanding among the playing group of the fact that to go from eight wins in 2013 to the 12 wins which history says we’ll need to play finals in 2014 will require a 50 percent improvement. And that after we jumped from three wins in 2011 and 2012. It would be naïve to think it is just going to happen. It won’t. But the players are fully aware of that. They “get it”. They have learned what it takes to compete at the elite level and are much better equipped than they were even 12 months ago. It won’t be easy but nothing good ever is. The boys are up for the challenge. Bring it on. Guy McKenna Senior Coach
FIRE UP | Coach’s Report |
11
Kicking goals together As the industry super fund for sport, HOSTPLUS is proud to be the Gold Coast SUNS’ Joint Foundation Partner. But we’re also the industry super fund for hospitality, tourism and recreation – three of the biggest employers on the Gold Coast. So by supporting the SUNS, we’re investing back into the community and industries that create jobs for our members – not just at
Metricon Stadium but also in hotels, restaurants, clubs and accommodation around the Gold Coast. And speaking of investments, we’ve been helping HOSTPLUS members kick their own financial goals for 25 years too. Best of all, anyone can join HOSTPLUS To find out how, visit hostplus.com.au or call 1300 HOSTPLUS (1300 467 875), 8am – 8pm, Monday to Friday.
The information in this document is general in nature and does not consider any of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, you should consider obtaining advice from a licensed financial adviser and consider the appropriateness of this information, having regard to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial situation. You should obtain a copy of the HOSTPLUS Product Disclosure Statement and consider the information contained in the Statement before making any decision about whether to acquire an interest in HOSTPLUS. Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL No. 244392, RSEL No. L0000093, MySuper No. 68657495890198, HOSTPLUS Superannuation Fund ABN 68 657 495 890, RSE No. R1000054. For further information on Chant West ratings visit http://hostplus.com.au/info/chant-west-disclaimer THEDMGROUP HOST7709/GCFC/KGT
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS 2013 was a breakthrough year for the Gold Coast SUNS. For the first time in its short existence, Gold Coast made the football world take notice, winning eight matches, and cleaning up at every awards ceremony during the AFL finals. After just six wins in their first two seasons, the GC SUNS jumped to eight wins and started to push a number of the AFL heavyweights. The Round 1 victory over St Kilda at Metricon Stadium and an emphatic win over the Giants in Canberra got the season off to a flying start. The GC SUNS created history in Round 7, notching up the clubs very first victory at the MCG with a win over Melbourne, but it was the Round 17 win over Collingwood at Metricon Stadium that was undoubtedly the highlight. The GC SUNS also defeated North Melbourne and led eventual premier Hawthorn and powerhouse Geelong in the third term in successive weeks. Captain Gary Ablett was again the hero, winning his third
goldcoastfc.com.au
consecutive Club Champion award, second Brownlow Medal and fifth AFLPA MVP. But he wasn’t alone in 2013.
An unbelievable rookie season by Jaeger O’Meara came to an end with the GC SUNS midfielder claiming the NAB AFL Rising Star award, while midfielder Dion Prestia finished 2nd to Ablett in the Club Champion award, taking his game to another level. Despite missing several of the experienced and biggerbodied players, including Nathan Bock, Michael Rischitelli, Karmichael Hunt and Matthew Warnock, but the younger and more inexperienced players stepped up to the plate. Rory Thompson emerged as one of the best young defenders in the game, and was joined by Dion Prestia, Jaeger O’Meara, Trent McKenzie and Tom Nicholls in the AFL Players Associations, 22Under22 team of the year, for players aged 22 and under. GC SUNS fans will be hoping for even more improvement in 2014.
FIRE UP | Season Highlights |
13
Round 1
Round 4
Round 1
Round 2
Saturday 30 March
Saturday 6 april
metricon stadium ATTENDANCE: 13,832
sydney cricket ground ATTENDANCE: 20,372
Gold Coast SUNS 3.6 3.8 6.11 13.12 (90)
SYDNEY SWANS 2.1 6.4 11.10 17.12 (114)
ST KILDA 1.7 6.9 7.14 10.17 (77)
GOLD COAST SUNS 2.2 3.4 8.6 11.7 (73)
BEST Ablett, Thompson, Broughton, Dixon and Prestia
BEST Dixon, O’Meara, Swallow, Prestia and Harbrow
GOALS Ablett 4, Russell 2, Dixon 2, Day, O'Meara, Shaw, Bennell, Hall
Goals Dixon 3, Hall 2, Smith, Shaw, May, Matera, Hutchins, Day
The 2014 season got off to a magnificent start, the GC SUNS, down by 19 points at halftime after a goalless second quarter, kicked 7-1 to 3-3 in the final term to post their first win over St.Kilda.
The GC SUNS made their first visit to the SCG to take on the reigning premiers in the wet as they unfurled their 2012 flag.
Round 3
Gary Ablett, best afield with 34 possessions and four goals, kicked three goals in a masterful final stanza to equal the club record for most goals in a quarter set by Danny Stanley (2011) and Steven May (2012). So good was the skipper he earned a perfect score 25 votes in the Club Champion as McKenna declared Ablett, who would collect his second Brownlow Medal at season’s end, was better than his famous father.
The GC SUNS led by a point at quarter time after a late Charlie Dixon goal, but despite a brave effort they were never really in it after being out-scored 1-2 to 4-3 in the second term. Dixon was a clear GC SUNS standout with three goals, while Jaeger O’Meara underlined his potential with 25 possessions and seven tackles in just his second game.
Tom Murphy and Greg Broughton played their first game for the GC SUNS but all eyes were on boom teenager Jaeger O’Meara as he began what would become a phenomenal debut season. Rory Thompson, too, delighted coaching staff with a fine shutdown job on fellow Gold Coaster and Saints Skipper Nick Riewoldt, while Broughton was similarly effective on Steven Milne.
Round 6
14
| Season Highlights | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Season Highlights
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Saturday 13 april
Saturday 20 april
Saturday 27 april
Saturday 4 May
Metricon Stadium Attendance: 12,961
Metricon Stadium Attendance: 11,332
StarTrack Oval Attendance: 6,832
Metricon Stadium Attendance: 10,552
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.5 4.7 8.11 13.14 (92)
GOLD COAST SUNS 4.3 5.4 6.8 9.12 (66)
GWS GIANTS 3.3 7.4 12.6 16.8 (104)
GOLD COAST SUNS 0.2 2.5 5.8 7.12 (54)
BRISBANE LIONS 4.5 6.13 10.14 13.16 (94)
PORT ADELAIDE 3.2 12.5 15.8 16.8 (104)
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.3 10.11 13.18 21.22 (148)
FREMANTLE 3.3 6.5 10.6 15.9 (99)
BEST Broughton, Brennan, Bennell, Wilkinson and Harbrow
BEST Ablett, O’Meara, Harbrow, Brennan and Matera
BEST Dixon, Ablett, O’Meara, Harbrow, and Smith
BEST Swallow, Harbrow, Ablett, O’Meara and Shaw
Goals Bennell 3, May 2, Matera 2, Broughton, Day, Thompson, Russell, Hall, Rischitelli
Goals Thompson 2, Brennan, Matera, Harbrow, Hall, Smith, O’Meara, May
Goals Dixon 6, Smith 3, O'Meara 3, Ablett 3, Lynch 2, Prestia, May, Stanley, Brennan
Goals O’Meara 2, Bennell, Ablett, Hunt, Harbrow, Prestia
QClash 5 was a nail-biter in the wet. A miraculous Michael Rischitelli volley goal inside the last two minutes cut the margin to two points, but although the GC SUNS had the ball camped in their forward line in the closing stages they could not make up a deficit that had swelled to 24 points in the third term.
It was a mini showdown between former GC SUNS assistantcoach Ken Hinkley, returning to Metricon Stadium for the first time as opposition coach, and GC SUNS coaching newcomer Matthew Primus, who was opposed to his former club for the first time.
Charlie Dixon kicked a club best six goals to lead a brutal assault on the GC SUNS record book as they hammered the GWS Giants in Canberra to erase memories of a bitter first visit to the national capital in 2012.
Greg Broughton was a standout in defence for the home side while Jared Brennan, continuing his good form against his former club, turned the game when swung into the midfield and finished with 30 possessions and 11 clearances. Harley Bennell was all class with 27 possessions and three goals.
Hinkley, later named Coach of the Year, took the points after the Power, enjoying a blistering start to a season in which they would go within two wins of the grand final, kicked 9-3 to 1-1 in the second quarter. Gary Ablett had 35 possessions in a brilliant display but the big talking point was the first meeting between young guns Jaeger O’Meara and Ollie Wines in a head-to-head rivalry destined to continue for a decade. O’Meara took the honors with 20 possessions.
The GC SUNS kicked 21-22 (148) to win by 48 points, posting their biggest score, biggest win and biggest ‘away’ win, and their two highest-scoring quarters - 7-8 in the second and 8-4 in the fourth. Best afield Dixon had nine marks, 16 disposals and six hitouts to go with his six goals and 23 Club Champion votes, while Gary Ablett collected 32 possessions and three goals and Jaeger O’Meara earned the Round 5 nomination for the NAB AFL Rising Star Award with 25 possessions, two goals and a game-high 11 clearances.
It was the GC SUNS’ 50th AFL game but there was no celebration after they were beaten by an undermanned Fremantle outfit in a match in which many were tipping an upset. The home side was held goalless in the first term and were never really in it in against the eventual grand finalists in what was Jesse Lonergan’s AFL debut and exDocker Greg Broughton’s 100th game. David Swallow was best for the GC SUNS across half back, keeping the dangerous Hayden Ballantyne goalless while providing plenty of forward thrust to earn 20 Club Champion votes. Jarrod Harbrow continued his brilliant start to the season with 32 possessions off the wing and kicked the GC SUNS’ 500th AFL goal.
The ever-consistent Jarrod Harbrow was another GC SUNS standout while Rory Thompson kicked a career-best two goals, but Matthew Warnock suffered a broken arm in what would be his last game of the year.
goldcoastfc.com.au
FIRE UP | Season Highlights |
15
Round 8
Round 7
Round 8
Sunday 12 May
Saturday 18 May
MCG ATTENDANCE: 13,304
Metricon Stadium ATTENDANCE: 13,520
MELBOURNE 0.2 3.7 4.10 7.12 (54)
GOLD COAST SUNS 1.3 4.7 11.11 13.15 (93)
GOLD COAST SUNS 5.5 9.8 14.12 16.18 (114)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.4 5.6 6.10 8.13 (61)
BEST Ablett, Prestia, Swallow, Smith, Shaw, Day
BEST Ablett, Thompson, O’Meara, Prestia, A Hall, Brown
GOALS Smith 3, Brown 3, Lynch 2, A Hall 2, May, McKenzie, Day, Shaw, Bennell, Harbrow
GOALS Brown 3, A Hall 2, Matera, Shaw, Stanley, O’Meara, Harbrow, Day, May, Bennell
The GC SUNS started rare favorites against a Melbourne side under siege as coach Mark Neeld fought an ultimately fruitless task to save his job, and duly saluted in superb and historic fashion by a club record 10 goals.
The GC SUNS completed backto-back wins for the first time and made it three wins in four weeks when they accounted for the battling Bulldogs.
Never troubled after leading 5-5 to 0-2 at quarter-time, the GC SUNS posted their first win after nine consecutive losses in Victoria and their first win at the MCG.
Gary Ablett was installed Brownlow Medal favourite after his 31 possessions, while Rory Thompson, Jaeger O’Meara and Dion Prestia were other standouts.
Gary Ablett and Dion Prestia set up the win with 68 possessions between them and 20 Club Champion votes apiece, while David Swallow was another standout.
But the GC SUNS’ first win over the Dogs came at a massive price, with Zac Smith sentenced to a knee reconstruction and 12 months on the sideline after a seemingly innocuous second quarter mishap.
Zac Smith, carrying the ruck single-handed after Charlie Dixon’s late withdrawal, stepped up magnificently with 18 possessions, a career-best three goals and an equal career-best 28 hitouts.
After a sluggish start the home side blew it open with seven goals in the third quarter.
Round 12
16
| Season Highlights | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Season Highlights
Round 9
Round 10
Round 11
Round 12
Sunday 26 May
Saturday 1 June
Saturday 8 June
Saturday 15 June
MCG Attendance: 28,112
Simonds Stadium Attendance: 30,082
Metricon Stadium Attendance: 10,891
Etihad Stadium Attendance: 31,452
HAWTHORN 4.5 7.6 13.8 18.10 (118)
GEELONG CATS 3.2 6.6 9.10 18.15 (123)
GOLD COAST SUNS 0.1 5.6 7.7 9.12 (66)
ESSENDON 4.3 9.3 13.7 17.13 (115)
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.3 9.5 10.6 14.8 (92)
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.2 4.8 9.10 10.11 (71)
NORTH MELBOURNE 4.2 5.2 6.2 8.3 (51)
GOLD COAST SUNS 1.2 5.5 7.5 11.6 (72)
BEST A Hall, Ablett, Prestia, Thompson, Matera
BEST Prestia, Thompson, Ablett, McKenzie, Wilkinson, O’Meara, Stanley
BEST Ablett, McKenzie, Stanley, Wilkinson, A Hall, Prestia
BEST Ablett, O’Meara, Thompson, McKenzie, A Hall, Brown
GOALS Ablett 2, Lynch 2, Russell 2, A Hall, Shaw, Hutchins
GOALS Rischitelli 2, Brown 2, Nicholls 2, Harbrow, Ablett, Prestia, Hutchins, Day
GOALS A Hall 5, Ablett 3, Lynch, Prestia, Brown, Matera, Broughton, Swallow If ever a 26-point loss can be satisfactory this was it as the GC SUNS sent a no-nonsense message to the competition that they should no longer be considered easybeats. It was 12th v 1st on the ladder, but the GC SUNS led the eventual premiers by 11 points at halftime and as many as 17 points in the third quarter, and never looked out of place. Only a 6-2 to 1-1 third quarter to the Hawks saw them overcome the brave visitors, who were left with only one fit player on the bench after injuries to Jared Brennan, Steven May and Jesse Lonergan. The gallant GC SUNS, who went in without Zac Smith and Charlie Dixon, were superbly led by a career-best five goals from Aaron Hall and 37 possessions from Gary Ablett, with each collecting 20 Club Champion votes. Dion Prestia continued his rich vein of form with 32 possessions and Rory Thompson did a fine job on Buddy Franklin but sadly Lonergan’s debut season came to a premature end.
goldcoastfc.com.au
GOALS Brown 3, Ablett 2, Rischitelli, Lynch, O’Meara, Russell, Harbrow Gary Ablett fittingly became the first player to post 50 games for the GC SUNS on a memorable evening at his former homeground. It was the first AFL night game played at the ‘Cattery’, and Ablett produced a masterful performance befitting the occasion as the GC SUNS threatened to upset the traditional powerhouse for three quarters. They led by 12 points midway through the third quarter before scores were level at the final change, and only a 9-5 to 1-1 final quarter from the Geelong Cats got them home against a brave Gold Coast outfit. But as good as Ablett was with 37 possessions and a freak 48m snapped goal from the boundary line, even he was narrowly overshadowed by emerging offsider Dion Prestia, who had 29 possessions and 12 tackles. In other highlights, Rory Thompson produced another tireless defensive effort, Tom Nicholls played his second AFL game and his first in more than two years, and Timmy Sumner made his AFL debut. Sadly, injury finished Brandon Matera’s year.
The GC SUNS pulled off a masterful rescue mission to turn a diabolical scoreline into one they will never forget on a wet and slippery night at home. The scoreboard read 32-1 to North Melbourne two minutes into the second quarter, but the GC SUNS, coming off two wonderful efforts against Hawthorn and Geelong that had amounted to nothing, were not about to be denied again. Consecutive goals to Jarrod Harbrow, Matt Shaw and Gary Ablett in the first six minutes of the second quarter turned the game, and after the visitors were held scoreless for 48 minutes the scoreboard read 49-32 midway with 40 minutes to play. In pouring rain the home side held on magnificently to effectively end the finals hopes of a North side that had already lost four games by less than a goal.
Privately the GC SUNS held genuine hopes of an upset against an Essendon side that although third on the AFL ladder was besieged by an allconsuming supplements scandal. But it wasn’t to be. Despite Jaeger O’Meara’s first 30-possession game and another sterling effort from Rory Thompson the GC SUNS suffered their fifth consecutive loss under the Etihad Stadium roof. Gary Ablett earned 20 Club Champion votes for 33 possessions and two goals, but a season-ending injury to Tom Lynch and a game-ending mishap to Michael Rischitelli at a critical stage did not help the cause. Tom Nicholls celebrated his third AFL game with his first two AFL goals.
Ablett was best afield with 33 possessions, seven clearances, six tackles, two goals and 20 Club Championvotes on a night when no less than 13 teammates registered double-figure votes in a club record match tally of 244.
FIRE UP | Season Highlights |
17
Round 14
Round 14
Round 15
Saturday 29 June
Saturday 6 July
Metricon Stadium ATTENDANCE: 13,791
Gabba ATTENDANCE: 27,170
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.5 5.11 9.14 11.17 (83)
BRISBANE LIONS 3.8 8.9 12.12 17.14 (116)
ADELAIDE CROWS 1.4 8.7 11.10 16.15 (111)
GOLD COAST SUNS 2.6 5.10 10.10 12.11 (83)
BEST Prestia, O’Meara, Ablett, McKenzie
BEST Stanley, Brennan, Swallow, Harbrow, Bennell
GOALS Gorringe 2, May 2, Brown 2, Ablett 2, Prestia 2, A Hall
GOALS Brennan 3, Brown 2, Bennell 2, A Hall, Harbrow, Shaw, May, O’Meara
The GC SUNS went in against the 2012 preliminary finalists with a reasonable expectation of victory, but after leading 3-5 to 1-4 at quarter-time and pulling to within two points late in the third quarter they conceded six of the last eight goals. An unusually hostile Guy McKenna rated it a “5 out of 10” performance, declaring no longer could his side afford to accept ‘honorable losses’. Still, it was a breakout game for Dion Prestia and Jaeger O’Meara opposed to the crack Crows duo of Scott Thompson and Patrick Dangerfield.
Round 17
Prestia was rewarded with 21 Club Champion votes for his career-best 42 possessions, while O’Meara’s 32 possessions, which made him the first teenager in more than a decade to top 30 possessions in consecutive games, earned 16 votes.
Campbell Brown captained the GC SUNS in his 200th AFL game, but in front of the biggest Queensland AFL crowd of 2014 QClash 6 amounted to nothing. Gary Ablett withdrew from the side 24 hours from game time, and despite another fine effort of 21 possessions and three goals from late inclusion Jared Brennan against his former side the GC SUNS trailed at every change. Danny Stanley, too, was a standout in his 50th AFL game, collecting 20 possessions while limiting the dangerous Daniel Rich, but Brennan and Stanley were the only Gold Coast players to poll double-figure Club Champion votes in what was a golden opportunity lost against their arch rivals.
Andrew Boston became the 60th GC SUNS player and 16th Queenslander with his debut, while Trent McKenzie continued to shine in defence.
Round 18
18
| Season Highlights | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Season Highlights
Round 16
Round 17
Round 18
Round 19
Saturday 13 July
Saturday 20 July
Saturday 27 July
Saturday 3 August
Cazalys Stadium Attendance: 11,197
Metricon Stadium Attendance: 19,721
Metricon Stadium Attendance: 19,460
Patersons Stadium Attendance: 32,140
RICHMOND 1.3 4.10 5.13 6.17 (53)
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.4 7.6 11.7 13.7 (85)
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.4 7.7 9.8 11.11 (77)
WEST COAST EAGLES 4.0 10.1 15.6 20.10 (130)
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.5 4.4 5.6 6.8 (44)
COLLINGWOOD 2.7 6.9 8.10 11.12 (78)
CARLTON 4.6 8.12 10.19 16.24 (120)
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.3 7.7 11.8 17.11 (113)
BEST Nicholls, Broughton, Harbrow, Tape, Stanley, Thompson
BEST Ablett, Nicholls, O’Meara, Broughton, Harbrow, McKenzie, Thompson
BEST Dixon, Stanley, Brown, Shaw
BEST Bennell, May, Prestia, A Hall, Sexton, Swallow
GOALS Brown, O’Meara, McKenzie, Day, Bennell, Shaw Jared Brennan, Jarrod Harbrow and Trent McKenzie became the second, third and fourth players to post 50 AFL games for the GC SUNS as the club was denied a cleansweep of a three-match series against Richmond in Cairns. On a fine but windy night the GC SUNS, having narrowly beaten the Tigers in 2011 and 2012, led 4-4 to 1-4 10 minutes into the second quarter before conceding the next nine scoring shots. The southerners led by a goal at halftime and were never headed despite posting the secondlowest score recorded against the Gold Coast. Tom Nicholls had 18 possessions and 25 hitouts in a breakout game to earn the Round 16 NAB AFL Rising Star nomination, while Harbrow, with 18 possessions in a fine homecoming, became the second player to reach 1000 possessions for the GC SUNS, and Seb Tape played his first AFL game in more than 12 months following a knee reconstruction.
goldcoastfc.com.au
GOALS O’Meara 3, Brennan 3, Day 2, Ablett 2, Harbrow, Tape, Prestia It was the 99th AFL game played at Metricon Stadium and the 60th AFL match for the GC SUNS and the team posted their first win over a top eight opponent and their first win against Collingwood in front of the biggest Metricon Stadium crowd of the year of 19,721. Inspired by 49 possessions from Gary Ablett, a club record at home that was worth a “perfect” 25 Club Champion votes, the GC Suns led at every change to celebrate Matt Shaw’s 50th game with arguably their best win. That they were minus the injured Zac Smith, Charlie Dixon, Tom Lynch, Brandon Matera, Nathan Bock and Michael Rischitelli and posted their equal secondlowest winning score was further testimony of a growing maturity. Tom Nicholls continued to emerge as a quality ruckman, Jaeger O’Meara was all class, and Rory Thompson did a fine job on Magpie colossus Travis Cloke. Danny Stanley became the third GC SUNS player to reach 1000 possessions, Jared Brennan kicked his 100th goal, and in his 25th game Seb Tape kicked his first goal.
GOALS Day 2, A Hall 2, Dixon 2, Bennell, Brown, Stanley, Shaw Ablett Gary Ablett equalled the 248game career mark of his famous father, Gary Ablett Snr, but sadly, aside from another 19,000+ crowd, there was little else for the GC SUNS to celebrate. They conceded the first four goals, and although they kicked the next four to claw their way back into the contest they never got in front despite a brilliant Charlie Dixon return from injury with 17 possessions, 10 hitouts, six marks and two goals. Danny Stanley got the better of Chris Judd in a memorable midfield matchup, while Harley Bennell became the second player behind Ablett to kick 50 goals for the GC SUNS. The crowd of 19,460 was the fourth best all-time at Metricon Stadium and the biggest on a Saturday afternoon as Jacob Gillbee played his first AFL game in almost 12 months.
GOALS Sexton 3, Bennell 2, Ablett 2, Bock 2, Brown 2, A Hall 2, Dixon, Stanley, Swallow, Harbrow The GC SUNS posted their highest losing score in three years in the AFL and their fourth-highest score overall in a meritorious loss in Perth in front of their biggest crowd of the 2014 season. Down by 22 points at the last change in the dreaded ‘House of Pain’, they twice pulled to within two points in the final stanza but paid a high price for basic errors. Nathan Bock, named among the emergencies, was a late inclusion for his first game since an horrific broken leg in Round 6 2012 and kicked two inspirational goals before being substituted in the third quarter as he surpassed Josh Fraser to become the GC SUNS’ oldest player. Harley Bennell had 18 contested possessions in a game tally of 27 as he joined Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow and Danny Stanley in the 1000 Club, while Steven May did a superb job to hold Jack Darling goalless, Dion Prestia was ever-productive through the midfield, and Alex Sexton kicked a career-best three goals.
FIRE UP | Season Highlights |
19
Season Highlights
Round 20
Round 21
Round 22
Round 23
Saturday 10 August
Saturday 17 August
Sunday 25 August
Sunday 1 September
Metricon Stadium Attendance: 13,840
AAMI Stadium Attendance: 18,703
Etihad Stadium Attendance: 17,622
Metricon Stadium Attendance: 13,080
GOLD COAST SUNS 2.4 5.9 10.11 13.12 (90)
PORT ADELAIDE 7.5 8.9 10.13 16.17 (113)
ST.KILDA 3.2 9.5 12.9 17.14 (116)
GOLD COAST SUNS 6.1 12.3 16.7 22.14 (146)
MELBOURNE 3.2 5.6 8.11 10.17 (77)
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.5 6.8 12.10 14.12 (96)
GOLD COAST SUNS 3.3 6.5 9.6 10.10 (70)
GWS GIANTS 2.4 5.4 7.8 9.9 (63)
BEST Bennell, A Hall, Swallow, Brown, Harbrow
BEST Boston, Bennell, Gorringe, Prestia, May, Stanley
BEST Prestia, Swallow, O’Meara, Stanley
GOALS Brown 3, Sumner 2, Ablett, A Hall, Dixon, Swallow, Thompson, Bennell, Day, Stanley
GOALS Boston 3, Bennell 3, Stanley 2, Dixon, Gorringe, J Hall, Hutchins, O’Meara, Sumner
GOALS Sumner 3, O’Meara 2, Dixon 2, Thompson, A Hall, Prestia
BEST Ablett, Prestia, Rischitelli, Thompson, Stanley, Bennell, Boston
This was a game in which it could reasonably be said that for the first time the GC SUNS played ‘ugly’ and won.
Andrew Boston confirmed his standing as a player of genuine AFL potential as the GC SUNS were reminded that there is no substitute for four-quarter intensity.
Starting hot favorites against a hapless Melbourne side under caretaker coach Todd Viney after Mark Neeld had been sacked earlier in the season, the GC SUNS were sluggish early and trailed by four points at quarter time. Only six unanswered goals from midway through the third term ensured a win for Gary Ablett’s 250th game and the 50th GC SUNS game for David Swallow and Danny Stanley, but it was hardly one for the purists. The GC SUNS fielded their most experienced side (1449 games) but finished with only one player on the bench after losing Nathan Bock, Alex Sexton and Sam Day to injury. Swallow, with 28 possessions, led the GC SUNS possession count for the first time as he became the first player to reach 50 games for the club before his 21st birthday. Harley Bennell, with 27 possessions, was another standout with Aaron Hall, 20 possessions.
20
| Season Highlights | FIRE UP
In a topsy-turvy affair against a Port Adelaide side battling to consolidate a finals berth, the GC SUNS conceded the first four goals to trail by 24 points at quarter-time, led by 10pts at three-quarter time, and were out-scored 6-4 to 2-2 in the final quarter to lose one they could have won. Boston, with 14 possessions, six marks and his first three AFL goals in his sixth AFL game, was judged the GC SUNS best from Harley Bennell, who had 28 possessions and three goals on the wing. Daniel Gorringe collected a career-high 22 possessions in clearly his best game in GC SUNS colors.
GOALS Ablett 4, Boston 4, Stanley 3, Bennell 2, Rischitelli 2, Harbrow 2, Dixon, Prestia, Gillbee, A Hall, Hunt
The GC SUNS showed the wear and tear of a long, hard campaign when they dropped a game they might genuinely have won on their final interstate trip of the season. It was 14th-placed Gold Coast against 16th-placed St.Kilda, who were on an eight-game losing streak, but after leading by a point at quarter-time the visitors were never in it. The Saints blew it open with six unanswered goals late in the second quarter, and out-scored the visitors 5-5 to 1-4 in the fourth quarter to deny the GC SUNS a golden chance to post their first Etihad Stadium win. Dion Prestia was best for the GC SUNS with 26 possessions, while David Swallow was productive across half back, Danny Stanley had 28 possessions and got the better of Lenny Hayes, and Timmy Sumner kicked three goals in his best effort of his debut season. Prestia and Harley Bennell played their 50th game for the club and Leigh Osborne his first as he became the 61st GC SUNS player overall and the GC SUNS finished season 2014 with a 9-2 away record.
It was the end of a remarkable journey for GWS Giants coach Kevin Sheedy, but after 29 years and 678 games at the helm there was no fairytale exit. Not even close. Instead the GC SUNS farewelled season 2013 in glorious and historic fashion with their eighth win. From a 3-19 win/loss record in their first two seasons, they’d jumped to 8-14. Kicking 22-14 (146) to win by 83 points, the GC SUNS posted their greatest winning margin, their highest score at Metricon Stadium, and for the first time in 66 matches they won all four quarters. Gary Ablett had 33 possessions and four goals to grab his sixth 20-vote Club Champion haul of the season and three Brownlow Medal votes to clinch the game’s highest individual honor for the second time. Fellow veteran Michael Rischitelli, too, ended the season on a high, while Andrew Boston kicked an equal club record four goals at Metricon Stadium and Rory Thompson denied GWS’ Jemery Cameron the big bag of goals he needed for the Coleman Medal.
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Round 20
Round 21
Round 22
Round 23
goldcoastfc.com.au
FIRE UP | Season Highlights |
21
Jaeger O’Meara
22
| Jaeger O’Meara | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Jaeger O’meara AFL Hall of Fame members Tim Watson and Robert Walls suggest he could become the greatest midfielder the game has ever seen.
“Jaeger O’Meara could quite well go down in history as the greatest midfielder that’s ever played the game,” says Watson.
and accuracy in front of goals with a stand-out performance against Collingwood, picking up 23 touches, eight tackles and three goals in the side’s first victory against a top eight team.
At 19 years of age, O’Meara is already being touted as the complete package.
O’Meara’s 2013 season was celebrated when he claimed the NAB AFL Rising Star. Polling 44 of a possible 45 votes to be crowned the Ron Evans Medalist.
Quick, agile and deceptively strong overhead, the Gold Coast’s star teenager produced one of the best debut seasons in recent times, with senior coach Guy McKenna proclaiming it to be the most memorable season he has ever seen from a firstyear player. Just one of two Gold Coasters to play all 22 premiership matches in 2013, the Western Australian averaged 22 disposals and booted 16 goals, stamping his mark as a key piece to the team’s midfield puzzle. In a career defining performance in Round 12 against Essendon at Etihad Stadium, O’Meara became the youngest player in more than a decade to collect 30+ disposals in a match.
He would also go on to claim the AFLPA’s Best First Year Player, joining an exclusive list of AFL players to win both awards. In just 12 months, O’Meara has already shown GC SUNS members and fans he will be one to watch for the next 10 years, and could finish his AFL career a multiple Club Champion winner after polling 204 votes in the 2013 GC SUNS Club Championships, claiming 3rd place behind Dion Prestia (213) and Gary Ablett (260).
Further demonstrating his dangerous presence on the playing field, the Sandgroper showcased his elite forward pressure
goldcoastfc.com.au
FIRE UP | Jaeger O’Meara |
23
2013 CLUB CHAMPION It surprised nobody when Gary Ablett claimed his third consecutive Gold Coast SUNS Club Championship as the club gathered to celebrate season 2014. But amid the glitz and glamor of a 500-plus crowd that turned out at Southport Sharks Events Centre for the GC SUNS’ biggest night of the year was a quiet satisfaction that, while Ablett continued to be the face of the club, the group below the dual Brownlow Medalist was in very good shape and building a fine platform for the future. In a vote-count which foreshadowed a changing of the guard on the tourist strip, Ablett polled 260 votes to win from young guns Dion Prestia (213) and Jaeger O’Meara (204), with Rory Thompson (162), Jarrod Harbrow (149), Danny Stanley (142), Aaron Hall (140), David Swallow (135), Trent McKenzie (120) and Harley Bennell (103) completing the top 10. It was a leaderboard that included no less than seven players aged 23 or younger. Despite the natural aging of the playing group, this was one more than in 2012, and two more than in 2011. The cumulative age of the Club Championship top 10 in 2013 was 224, compared to 227 in 2012 and 253 in 2011. And that despite long-term injuries which kept Zac Smith, Charlie Dixon, Tom Lynch and Brandon Matera out of contention. Significantly, too, the gap between Ablett and the rest had narrowed. And place-getters Prestia and O’Meara had a combined age of 39, compared to Bennell and Stanley’s combined 43 in 2012 when they finished second and third, and Nathan Bock and Michael Rischitelli’s 53 in 2011. In 2011 Ablett polled 42% more votes than Bock and was almost double that of Rischitelli. In 2012 he was 32% up on Bennell and 51% clear of Stanley. But in 2013 he was just 22% in advance of Prestia and 27% up on O’Meara. Coach Guy McKenna admitted that, with the pure class of Prestia and O’Meara, he was finding it difficult not to get too excited by the club’s young core. “I don’t think there can be any argument that Dion and Jaeger, as young midfielders, have certainly fast-tracked their development under Gary. Walking to the centre bounce, knowing he is there alongside them, makes them walk a little taller,” McKenna said. Still it was Ablett’s night as he topped the leaderboard for all
24
| Club Champion | FIRE UP
but two of 23 rounds. Only when Dixon skipped clear of him in Rounds 2-3 was he headed, but the result was never in doubt after the margin had reached 63 votes at Round 18. Significantly, the skipper was judged the GC SUNS’ best player eight times, and ranked in the top three in 13 of the 21 matches he played. He posted two ‘perfect games’ against St.Kilda in Round 1 and Collingwood in Round 17 when the five voting members of the coaching panel each scored him a ‘5’ on the 0-5 voting system used to assess the performance of every player in every match. Dixon recorded the next best individual performance when he polled 23 votes for his club record six goals against the GWS Giants in Canberra in Round 5. Prestia received 21 votes for his career-best 42 possessions against Adelaide in Round 14 and 20 votes against Melbourne in Round 17, while other 20-vote cards were scored by Aaron Hall for five goals against Hawthorn in Round 9, Swallow for a standout effort in a losing side against Fremantle in Round 6, and Tom Nicholls’ breakout game against Collingwood in Round 17. Runner-Up Prestia was eighth on the leaderboard after Round 4 but had jumped to second by Round 9 and stayed there except for one week when he slipped to third. He was judged the GC SUNS’ best player five times, which was second only to Ablett’s eight. Others to top an individual game vote-count (including ties) were Dixon (3), Swallow, Bennell and Aaron Hall (2), Greg Broughton, Stanley, Nicholls, Steven May and first-year players Andrew Boston and Timmy Sumner. O’Meara, a runaway winner of the NAB AFL Rising Star Award, was sixth in the vote-count by round 4 and third by Round 8. There he stayed except for twice when he jumped temporarily to second. Just as consistent was the emerging Thompson, who got to fourth on the leaderboard at Round 10 and did not move at all thereafter. There were five changes to the top 10 in the GC SUNS club championship from 2012, with O’Meara, Thompson, Harbrow, Aaron Hall and McKenzie improving on their finish of 12 months earlier to displace Matthew Warnock, Campbell Brown and the injury-troubled Lynch, Matera and Dixon. Three years into GC SUNS history there are four players who have finished top 10 in each of the club’s three club champion vote-counts – Ablett (1st-1st-1st), Swallow (4th-7th-7th), Stanley (5th-3rd-6th and Bennell (10th-2nd-10th). Overall, the total number of votes awarded in 2013 was up 70% on equivalent figures in 2012. And, in a further measure of the young club’s dramatic improvement, the number of zero-vote ratings dropped from 234 in 2011 and 237 in 2012 to 168 in 2013.
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Gold Coast Suns Newest RecruIts Fiat is proud to have teamed up with the Gold Coast SUNS as a co-major partner for the next three years. ďŹ at.com.au
Š Fiat is a registered trademark of Fiat Group Marketing and Corporate Communication S.P.A
@rorythompson
@stevenmay
@aaronhall33
What the players did in the off season? Photos from the player’s instagram accounts
@garyablettjnr
@tom_lynch
@shawry26
@jaegeromeara
@jesselonergan
@sammyday12
@dionprestia
@trentmckenzie
@charlie_dixon
Jack Martin
28
| Jack Martin | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Jack Martin Raised on the sandy beaches of Broome, it was Jack Martin’s parents who first saw their son’s vast potential as a future AFL superstar.
A dual West Kimberley’s Junior Best & Fairest winner by the age of 12, Martin showed early signs of his rare talent, often leaving opposition midfielders trailing in his wake as he burst through clearance after clearance. Determined not to see their son’s footy talent go to waste, Martin recalls the afternoon dad Christopher and mum Suzette sat him down to discuss the possibility of him moving south in pursuit of chasing his AFL dream. “I remember my parents telling me they would like me to move down south because they thought I had the talent to make it into the AFL,” Martin said. Opposed to the idea at first, Martin eventually agreed to relocate to Geraldton, four hours north of Perth, in a bid to better position himself for greater opportunities through the WAFL.
Ineligible to make his senior debut because of age restrictions, the teenager terrorised opponents in the NEAFL competition in 2013. Following an almost identical path to the one taken by Jaeger O’Meara in 2012, Martin enjoyed an even better NEAFL campaign than the Gold Coast’s NAB AFL Rising Star, earning NEAFL Team of the Year honours and claiming the Gold Coast SUNS NEAFL Player of the Year despite playing just 12 of the scheduled 18 fixtures. Coaching advisor and AFL great Malcolm Blight couldn’t be happier to see the 18-year-old ace in a GC SUNS uniform, describing his recruiting highlights tape as the best he had ever seen in his 45 years involved in Australian Rules football. “I’m almost certain it is the finest young person’s tape I’ve seen in my whole life,” Blight said.
“I wasn’t keen on moving to Perth because I felt like that would have been too big of a step for me, so we eventually chose Geraldton instead” Martin said.
“It’s probably putting a lot of pressure on him but I’ve just never seen one so complete and I’ve seen a lot of them.
Battling homesickness, Martin conceded the decision to move away from his family had been difficult, but he did his best to remain strong-willed, not wanting to disappoint his family by giving up.
“While the expectations surrounding the first year player are unmatched, Martin is taking the hype and pressure in his stride, admitting he is just looking forward to playing the game he loves.”
“It was certainly hard moving away from home, and I remember wanting to go back, but I just told myself if I could put my head down and give it a go maybe it would eventuate into something one day.”
“I’ve consistently had to play under pressure throughout the past few years so I know how to cope with it. I try and just let my footy do the talking for me,” Martin says.
Six years later, Martin now finds himself settled comfortably into his new home on the Gold Coast with girlfriend Elle, inking an unprecedented five-year contract that will see him remain in the red and gold colours until at least the end of the 2017 season. Not bad for a kid still yet to play his first AFL match!
goldcoastfc.com.au
“This is going to be one hell of a player”
“There will always be high expectations, but I try not to let that get to my head. “I’ll just keep playing footy, do my best to improve as an AFL player, and hopefully give myself the best opportunity to enjoy some team success alongside the rest of my teammates on the Gold Coast.”
FIRE UP | Jack Martin |
29
PARENTS WILL NO LONGER NEED TO WORRY ABOUT HUNGRY KIDS AT THE FOOTY THIS SEASON Pay $55 on top of a 2014 family membership (2 adults & 2 juniors) and receive $110 worth of PrePlay value for the kids to use across the season. KIDS FOOTY FEED PRICE
Family (2 adults & 2 juniors)
GC SUNS SMART PAY INSTALMENT (10 MONTHS)
$1,325
$132.50
Family (2 adults & 4 juniors)
$1,640
$164.00
KIDS FOOTY FEED PRICE
Family (2 adults & 2 juniors)
GC SUNS SMART PAY INSTALMENT (10 MONTHS)
$1,005
$100.50
Family (2 adults & 4 juniors)
$1,260
$126.00
KIDS FOOTY FEED PRICE
GC SUNS SMART PAY INSTALMENT (10 MONTHS)
GOLD A
BENEFITS • Parents only pay for one child’s PrePlay value • Kids will receive $5 worth of PrePlay value at each home game • Great selection of $5 snack options on match day • Kids can purchase drinks and snacks using their own membership card and; • It’s cash-free and easy!
GOLD B
SILVER Family (2 adults & 2 juniors)
$710
$71.00
Family (2 adults & 4 juniors)
$915
$91.50
GC SUNS SMART GENERAL ADMISSION KIDS FOOTY PAY INSTALMENT FEED PRICE (10 MONTHS)
Family (2 adults & 2 juniors)
$485
Family (2 adults & 4 juniors)
$640
$64.00
KIDS FOOTY FEED PRICE
Family (2 adults & 2 juniors)
GC SUNS SMART PAY INSTALMENT (10 MONTHS)
$585
$58.50
Family (2 adults & 4 juniors)
$760
$76.00
SUNSCREAMERS
To redeem this great offer or to upgrade your family membership to include Kids Footy Feed, contact the Membership Services Team on 1300 784 436 or at gcmembership@goldcoastfc.com.au PrePlay is Metricon Stadiums cashless way to purchase food and beverages at snack outlets
$48.50
Fixture Windfall
Tourist operators fixture windfall
“We all know that Victorians in particular love holidaying on the Gold Coast. We don’t just see them filling our theme parks, you see them throughout the season staying in Broadbeach, stopping for a coffee in Burleigh, having dinner in Main Beach and walking our beaches.”
Pick up the 2014 AFL fixture and compare it to the annual Victorian School Holidays.
“What’s even more exciting is that for these big games, fans won’t just be spending a long weekend on the coast, but instead having the games in the school holidays means visitors will spend more time on the coast, extending a three day break to a week or even two weeks in many cases,” Auld said. The health of the Gold Coast SUNS has never been better.
That’s right, you’ll notice the Gold Coast SUNS play blockbuster matches smack bang in the middle of both the April and July school holidays. Premiers Hawthorn, a club that also boasts in excess of 70,000 members, will play the GC SUNS on the final Saturday of the Victorian June school holidays. In July, the country’s most popular sporting club, Collingwood, will bring thousands of fans to south east Queensland. The GC SUNS have played Collingwood twice on the coast, where it is believed the region’s economy has received a 10 million cash injection. It won’t be just south east Queensland that benefits however, tourist operators in Cairns are also set for a windfall, with the GC SUNS and Western Bulldogs both expected to have fans travel to Cairns for the Round 17 match at Cazalys Stadium on the final weekend of the holiday period in July. GC SUNS CEO, Travis Auld credited the planning of the GC SUNS and the AFL in ensuring the big games were scheduled in the school holiday period. “Having the Collingwood and Hawthorn games fall in the Victorian school holidays is really important. It’s something we have worked on with the AFL and it will deliver a great outcome for the Gold Coast” Auld said. Auld believes the City could again expect a strong return in tourism numbers across the board, highlighting the huge number of fans sporting their teams colours who are seen on the coast throughout the AFL season.
goldcoastfc.com.au
Bigger in numbers, louder in voice and more passionate than ever, support for the Gold Coast SUNS is on a pleasing upward trend, with the club recording an increase in crowds at Metricon Stadium in 2013. While the success of superstar Gary Ablett and NAB AFL Rising Star Jaeger O’Meara is already paying dividends for the GC SUNS with online fans flocking to the clubs facebook.com/GoldCoastFC, twitter.com/GoldCoastSUNS and instagram.com/GCSUNS platforms in record numbers. GC SUNS members and visitors to Metricon Stadium enjoy one of the best match day experience in Australian sport, a key focus for the organisations off-field team who partnered with Disney to ensure fans attending GC SUNS matches received a unique experience. GC SUNS Chief Operating Officer Andrew Travis says the club constantly reviews their match day offerings in line with valuable feedback provided by stadium guests. “Providing a high-quality experience for the customer and understanding what is important to them has been an essential part of our strategy in delivering a first class match-day experience for footy fans attending Metricon Stadium,” Travis said. “The feedback and surveys we constantly receive through our membership department indicate that fans attending Metricon Stadium value our match day offerings and our themed rounds like Family Day and Carnival Night.” “There is a science to it, and we certainly do our best to maximise all available opportunities and to ensure we engage with and include as many guests as possible in the game-day activities.”
FIRE UP | Fixture Windfall |
31
Metricon Stadium
Fixtures 2014 The Gold Coast is in for a cracking 2014 season, with some of the AFL’s biggest clubs including Richmond, Hawthorn, Geelong Cats and Collingwood scheduled to play at Metricon Stadium.
Set to play 13 of their 22 matches in Queensland, the GC SUNS will contest three Saturday night home matches and four afternoon games, while members and fans will once again enjoy more action in the extremely popular twilight time slot. After taking on Richmond in Cairns over the past three seasons, the Gold Coasters kick-start their 2014 campaign against the AFL powerhouse at Metricon Stadium on March 15, the first time the two teams will play on the Gold Coast. With an army of Richmond fans expected to converge on the tourist strip for the season opener, it will be a blockbuster start to the season. “The Tigers haven’t been to Metricon Stadium before, and after playing them in Cairns for the last three years, we have developed a bit of a rivalry, winning two of the three games,” GC SUNS CEO Travis Auld said.
32
| Fixtures 2014 | FIRE UP
“They have a huge supporter base, and we are confident many of their fans will travel to Metricon Stadium to watch their team in action and make the most of a weekend away on the Gold Coast” Auld added. In equally exciting news, AFL powerhouse Collingwood will once again board the flight to Gold Coast Airport, seeking redemption in Round 16 after they became victims of an inspired GC SUNS performance, led by Gary Ablett who notched 49 disposals against Collingwood in 2013. An estimated $5 million was injected into the local economy as a result of the club’s back to back encounters against Carlton and the Pies in 2013, and Auld said Gold Coasters could expect another strong return in tourism numbers, with the side’s fixtures against Collingwood and Hawthorn scheduled during Victorian school holidays. “Importantly for our local economy we have the big clubs coming here again, and we have seen in the last three years, the impact of having teams like Collingwood come up to the Gold Coast.” “We have the Pies again which we are really pleased to host, and also Hawthorn and Richmond who have big supporter bases which will travel up to support their teams.” Significantly, the boys will also return to North Queensland in 2014, this time taking on Western Bulldogs at Cazalys Stadium in what hopes to be a budding rivalry between the two AFL sides. All of the Club’s 22 home and away matches will be broadcast live on 7Mate throughout Queensland and FOX FOOTY throughout the country.
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Zac Smith
34
| Zac Smith | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Zac Smith The moment Zac Smith reached for his right knee, a chilling shiver ran through the Gold Coast SUNS camp.
It was Round 11, 2013 and a chilling shiver ran through the Gold Coast SUNS camp as Zac Smith clutched for his right knee. For the first time in his sporting career, a strong wave of helplessness and despair filled the North Queenslander, as club medicos later confirmed the worst possible diagnosis – a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. “The first month was probably the hardest, both physically and mentally, as you can’t really do too much,” Smith recalled. “The tiniest of things you often take for granted like walking around and having a shower is really difficult during that period, and you soon learn you can’t do too much other than rest.” When news first surfaced of Smith’s season-ending injury, Gary Ablett and Aaron Hall were among the first players to contact Smith, the Gold Coast trio having built a strong friendship outside the football club. Although comforted by his teammates support, it was Assistant Coach and ruck mentor Matthew Primus that provided Smith with the greatest solace. A similar ACL injury robbed Primus of a Premiership medal in 2004, the former All Australian missing out after requiring a full knee reconstruction. “Matthew has been unreal over the past 12 months,” Smith said. “He suffered multiple ACL injuries over his playing career, and was able to give me some really helpful advice.” “He told me to get it right, and to listen to everyone that is helping me. If I have to wait another two months at the end of all of this it’ll be better than another year out of the game.” Determined to make the best out of the situation, Smith looked to make an even stronger impact in the Gold Coast
goldcoastfc.com.au
community, ramping up his efforts as the Club’s Domestic Violence Awareness Ambassador. Smith excelled making a significant contribution in the area of respect & responsibility and youth homelessness, in between attending regular community visits to the Paradise Kids as part of their young boys mentor program. For his outstanding service in the Gold Coast community, Smith was presented with the AFL’s highest community honour on the Brownlow Medal night, claiming the second annual Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. It was a night Smith says he will never forget. “Just to be nominated was a tremendous honour, but to then be awarded the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award in front of my peers at the Crown Palladium was certainly something special.” As a result of being presented with he award, Smith has developed a more selfless attitude to training, and subsequently AFL football. “You can’t dwell on the past; you have to look at all the positives and I know for myself it has been a good opportunity to get stronger in the legs and upper body,” he said. “I’ve been working really hard to achieve personal bests in the gym. I’m a pretty natural runner so hopefully I can get back to my best and come back even better.” With a sustainable playing career now at the forefront for Smith, the Gold Coaster has never been more driven to getting back to playing the game he loves most. “For me, it is simply getting back out there whether it be at AFL or NEAFL level.” “I just miss the game. There is nothing like being with your mates and playing alongside them.”
FIRE UP | Zac Smith |
35
Young SUNS on the rise
Kade Kolodjashnij Selection 5 2013 NAB AFL Draft
You only had to look at the cheeky grin, smeared across the face of Scott Clayton at the end of the 2013 AFL National Draft, to know that the months of planning and strategising had once again brought some of Australia’s best young talent to the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast SUNS secured Tasmanian teenager Kade Kolodjashnij with the Club’s first pick with selection No. 5 before claiming fellow first rounder Jack Leslie and South Australian Sean Lemmens.
“Since our inception to the national code, we have maintained a belief and desire to be a vehicle for Queensland talent and Jarred’s recruitment is just another example of that,” Clayton said.
“We are extremely excited to once again be welcoming additional elite young talent to our playing list,” Clayton said.
“We’re really proud to have Queenslanders coming through our pathway.”
“We feel that bringing in three promising defenders will help add further depth to our defensive stocks, as well as adding some speed and toughness down back.”
Pleasingly, a third of the GC SUNS entire playing list re-committed to the Club in 2013, a welcomed result demonstrating the players individual desire to see the communities AFL team thrive.
Unfortunate not to land himself a home through the national draft after superb season with the North Ballarat Rebels and Vic Country, Louie Herbert was granted an AFL lifeline – securing a spot on the club’s rookie list. While GC SUNS Academy star Jarred Ellis secured the final spot on the Club’s playing list as a local zone rookie, a possible sign of things to come for future Academy graduates.
36
| Young SUNS | FIRE UP
Focused on retaining and investing the Club’s core group of players, including the likes of Dion Prestia and Jaeger O’Meara, Clayton said the strategy had given the Club stability and direction. “Our focus has always been to invest in our playing list, and by doing so have been successful in retaining all our key players.”
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
goldcoastfc.com.au
Jack Leslie Selection 20 2013 NAB AFL Draft
Sean Lemmens Selection 27 2013 NAB AFL Draft
Louis Herbert Selection 5 2014 NAB Rookie Draft
Jarred Ellis Gold Coast SUNS Talent Academy selection 2014 Rookie Draft FIRE UP | Young SUNS |
37
Throughout 2014 we will be celebrating our consecutive 2010 foundation members and their five year loyalty. David Agius Kevin Ahrens Max Aitken Vicky Albert Leonie Albert Shashawna Albert Pat Alcock Glenda Alexander Jamie Alexander Tyson Alexander Frances Alford Darryl Alford Heather Alford Stella Alford Peter Allan Jeni Allen Craig Allison Debbie Allison Dom Ambrogio Regan Ampt Monique Anderson Joanne Anderson Ian Anderson Lesley Anderson Fred Anderson Barry Andrews Debbie Andrews Robert Andrews Dean Annandale Dennis Anspach Margaret Appleton Adam Arnold Tracie Arnold Sam Arthur Sheridan Arthur Isabelle Arthur Hugh Arthur Denis Ashcroft David Ashkar Lisa Ashkar Joseph Assad Robert Auld James Auld Michael Averay Candice Ayton Matthew Ayton Brian Ayton Kobie Back Aaron Back Michael Bagg Isaac Bailey Robert Bailey Marion Baird Adrian Baker Anna Baker Jordan Baker Tori Baker Luke Baker Cameron Baker Bernard Baker Nigel Baldwin Jo-anne Baldwin Jaspa Baldwin Banjo Baldwin Trent Balke Ross Ballantyne Debbie Ballis David Ballis David Balmer Judi Balmer Noreen Barden Christoper Barlow Antoine Barnaart Patricia Barnes Peter Barrett Tony Barrow Leanne Barrow Rod Barrow Sam Barrow Jack Barrow Lachlan Barter John Barter Owen Barter Michael Bartlett Sandra Bartlett Sonya Bateman Jeff Batey Dean Baulch Gordon Baxter Jackson Beale Dathan Beasley Meisha Beaton Zaihe Beaton Cassie Beaton Lesa Beck Brendan Beck Williiam Beckett Mark Beckmann Jodie Beckmann Sarah Beckmann Olivia Beckmann Dennis Beeley Brendan Behan Dawn Behan Brandon Beil Sophie Bell Royce Bell Kellie Bell Brittany Bell Roger Belmar Daniel Bembrick Katrina Bembrick Kirah Bembrick Tiarna Bembrick Byron Bembrick David Bennett Robbie Bennetts Dave Berg Dawne Berg Michael Berry Declan Berry Noah Berry Kiara Bischa Taj Bischa Kai Bischa Renae Bischa Scott Bischa Gregg Bisset John Black Colleen Bliesner Malcolm Blight Josephine Blythe Ralph Bock Erin Bolger Damien Bolger John Bolhuis Jill Bolhuis Keith Bond Soozi Bonner-Wiseman Lindsay Booth Barbara Borrack Graham Borrack Ruth Borten Tim Borten Michael Borten Greg Bostock John Bot Tracy Bot Arthur Botterill Jocelyn Bourke Phil Bourke Mark Bourke Kayden Bouwhuis Michelle Bovell Stephen Bowden Dean Bowtell Shannon Bowtell Charlie Bowtell Nathan Bowtell Tania Brady Ross Brain Jarryd Brand Aimee Brandmann Lynne Bray David Bray Andrew Brenac Jez Brindley Kai Brindley Steve Brindley Sarah Britton David Brogden Rod Brooks Peter Brosnan Judeen Brown Robyn Brown Yvette Brown Gary Brown Geoffrey Brown Rosemary Brown Jessica Brown Geraldine Brunner George Brunner Steve Bryan April Bryan Cathy Bryan Kylie Bryant Terry Bryceson Carol Budarick Craig Budarick Connor Budarick Daniel Budge Anne-Marie Buhmann Luke Buhmann Lachlan Buhmann Mark Buhmann Jim Bullock Gavin Bullock Jenny Bullock Robyn Bunn Ken Bunn Peter Burke Liz Burke Abbey Burke Kristy Burke Kylie Burke Sharna-Lee Burnett Barbara Burrell Terry Burrough Patsy Butcher Paul Butler John Buttigieg Anthony Buttigieg Phillip Buttigieg Stephen Buttigieg Edward Byrne Trevor Byrne Gary Byrne Kim Byrne Zackary Byrne Eve Byrne Hannah Cairns Emily Cairns Debbie Cairns Steve Calhoun Ian Callan Ian Cameron John Cameron Garry Campbell Des Campbell Honni Campbell Jenny Campbell Wendy Carey Paul Carey Jerome Carey Teagan Carey Elizabeth Carlisle Michael Carlisle Graham Carlson Shirley Carlson Greg Carman Shane Carson Kathleen Carter Ross Carter Rod Case Diane Case Sharon Cass-Edwards Malcolm Catchpole Glen Catchpole Jacqui Cetkovic Alex Cetkovic Michael Cheevers Maryanne Cherry Paul Cherwin Beau Cherwin Julie Christiansen Robert Christiansen Matthew Christiansen Michael Christie Jasmine Christie Analise Churchill Jett Churchill Donald Churchill Jason Churchill Kristal Churchill Enzo Ciuffetelli Kyle Clark Simon Clark Allan Clark Kaide Clark Bonnie Clay John Clay Scott Clayton Joan Cleary Barbara Clifford Joe Colgan Neville Collie Matthew Collins Joshua Collins Greg Collis Nicole Condilis David Conn Des Connell Kym Connell Narelle Conway Peter Cook Cate Cook Ivonne Coombs Darren Coombs Lee Cooper Noah Coote Jason Coote Jacqueline Coote Zachary Coote Shane Corbel Tyler Corbel Andrew Corbett Lois Cottrell Allan Cottrell Norman Covich Caroline Covino Andrew Covino Kristy Covino Michael Covino Michael Cox Alan Coy Marion Coy John Crabtree Angela Crabtree Anthony Crafter Lisa Cragan Leigh Crane Georgia Crase Chelsea Craven Paul Craven Anthony Crawn Kirsty Cremor Laura Crick Neville Crisp Maria Crisp Nikki Crooks Daniel Crooks Anthony Crooks Kevin Cross Craig Crossley Nathaniel Crouch Victor Crump Janet Culpitt Steven Culpitt Donald Cumming Cynthia Cumming Patricia Curtis Jason Curtis Christopher Curtis Barry Dailey Edmond D’Albret Wayne Dalby Kieran Daley Zain Daley Stephen Daley Jack Dallimore Sharren Dalton Kieran Daly Bryce Daly Kaitlin Daly John Dalziel Julie Dalziel Ray Dalzotto Peter Damaskinos Jayne Dance Allan Danks Anne Darcy Michael Darcy Mary Davies Max Davies Clark Davis Michelle Davis Georgia Davis Aaron Davis Isiah Davis Quanah Davis Judy Davis Karen Davis Michael Davis Grantley Davis David Daw Ryder Dawson Brendan Dawson Crystal Dawson Kalman De Soldos John de Vries Karin Deakin Douglas Dell Ray Deppeler Ulrike Deutsch-Watson Aaron Devine Sandra Devine Sophie Devine Oscar Devine Harry Devine Samantha Dillon Peter Dimond Adam Dinnison Bobbie-Sue Djurovitch Kayden Doe Suzanne Doe Garry Doe Nathan Doe Lesley Donald Graham Donald Peter Donaldson Kate Donaldson-Reid Anthony Donataccio John Doolan Anna Doolan Maria Dorling Grace Dorling Matthew Dorling Craig Dorling Sarah Dougherty Hamish Douglas Natalie Douglas Rebbecca Douglas Richard Douglas Matthew Douglas Paige Douglas Bob Dowie Liam Downey Maurie Downs Barry Doyle Lynette Doyle Ronald Doyle Rhonda Drake Kellie Drake Graeme Dransfield Maree Dransfield Joanne Draper Paul Draper Mark Drennan Warren Drew Warren Drew Jennifer Drewitt Patrick Drieberg Bruce Druery Mervyn Druker Lance Dummett Michael Duncomb Jessica Duncomb Kristine Dunn Mitchell Dunn Jackson Dunn Gavin Dunn Troy Dunton Reid Durden Jamie-lee Dwyer Samantha Dwyer Mark Dyba Daniel Dyba Taylor Dyba Rachel Dyba Harper Eagleson Heather Easton Robert Easton John Eastwood Loretta Eastwood Jennifer Eaton Jingle Eaton James Ebbels Baron Edrich Robert Edwards William Edwards Melanie Edwards Ken Elliott Andrew Elliott Graham Ellis Graham Ellis Geoff Elphick Chris Emzin David Engel Anne Enkelaar Kees Enkelaar Matthew Ennis Marissa Ensor James Enticott Colleen Enticott Andrew Erwin Sheree Erwin Piper Erwin Sonya Etingof Sam Eustice Lucy Eustice Max Eustice Harriet Eustice Thomas Evans Belinda Evans Steve Evans Jeneene Evans Bryn Evans Grant Evans Norma Evans Liam Ewens Kenneth Fagg Ray Fairclough Sue Falcke Lauren Falcke Sarah Falconar Kaye Fanjul Bill Fankhauser Denise Fankhauser Ian Farmer Jay Farrell Gary Farrell Marlene Farrell Liz Farrelly Sean Farrelly Miyuki Farrelly Kai Farrelly Ry Farrelly Simon Farrow Gavin Faulkner Jackson Faulkner Keenan Faulkner Belinda Faulkner Shayne Fergus Peter Ferguson Scott Ferris Roslyn Ferry Rob Ffrench Christopher Filer Pieter Finch Chelsea Finch Brooke Finch Tracey Finch Meade Stewart Mealy Eileen Mellor Max Mellor Lisa Mercer Matt Mercer Caleb Mercer Samuel Mercer Anthea Mercer Graham Mercer Frank Mercuri Sally Mercuri Lauren Merritt Leah Merritt Andrew Merritt Jaimee Merritt Kristi Merritt Anthony Mihan Jett MilfordFerguson Leanne Milford-Robertson Donna Milikins David Millard Ashleigh Millard Sam Millar-East Garry Miller Gail Miller Mark Miller Ian Miller Jason Miller Damien Miller Nathan Minchev Melissa Minchev Carol Minchev Adam Minchev Antony Minton-Connell Jackson Misuraca Anthony Misuraca Samantha Misuraca Mitchell Misuraca Rhys Misuraca Samuel Miszkowski Deirdre Mitchell Sharon Mitchell Ian Mitchell Christine Moffatt Julie Moir Alex Mojsish Gayleen Molnar Graeme Monaghan Hamish Montague Sara Montague Scarlett Montague Bodhi Montague Mark Mooney Bianca Mooney Lyn Moore Gael Morecroft Polly Morecroft Jack Morey Isabella Morey Tom Morey Edward Morgan Robert Morgan Stephen Morgan Peter Morichovitis Kerry Moritz Neil Morley Alan Morris Linda Morris Kate Morris John Morris Jennifer Morris Cavan Morris Dan Morris Tony Morrissey Allan Morton Jenny Morton Sue Morton George Morton Amanda Murfett Sharon Murphy Daragh Murphy Susan Murphy Terence Murphy Julie Murphy Danny Murphy Brett Murray Raymond Myers John Napper Gail Napper Judith Neck Jocelyn Neil Ross Neil Michael Neil Lyndall Newman Ian Newman John Newton Tom Nicholls Bill Nicholls Maree Nicholls Paul Nicholls Ebony Nicholls Kane Nicholls Shayne Nicholls Natasha Nicholls Rhys Nicholls Ky Nicholls Joy Nicholson John Nicholson Andrew Nielsen Gabrielle Nielsen Sebastian Nielsen Kylie Nishida James Nishida Brad Nunn Michala Nunn Paul Nunn Maria Nunn Christine Nunn Alicia Nunn Demika Nunn John Nussey Robyn Nussey John O’Brien Guy O’Brien Lisa O’Brien Liam O’Brien Joel O’Brien Kathryn O’Brien Benjamin O’Brien James O’Brien Quentin O’Brien Danny O’Donnell Lydean O’Donnell Liam O’Donnell Renee O’Donnell Maddison O’Donnell Margaret O’Donnell Robyn O’Gorman Patrick O’Gorman Jarod O’Gorman Alan O’Keefe Anthony O’Leary Paul O’Neil Deanna O’Neil Janelle O’Reilly Frank O’Rourke Lis O’Rourke Mark Owen Stephanie Oxley Jemma Oxley Lucas Oxley Damon Page Ethan Pain Tim Pain Kristie Pain Michael Palmar Tamara Palmar Cameron Palmar Mark Palmer Jill Palmer Geoff Palmer Giannis Pantelakakis Ray Pantic Angelo Parente Alberto Parente Robert Parente George Parente Franca Parente Peter Parker Ian Parker Christopher Parker Warren Parker D-arne Parker Lynne Parkinson John Parsons Barbara Parsons Gwyn Parsons Gary Pask Stephen Paterson Lynda Paterson Ray Paton Pauline Paton Tiffany Pattemore Ryan
38
| 5YRS MEMBERSHIP | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
2010 - 2014
CELEBRATING
5 CONSECUTIVE YEAR FOUNDATION MEMBERS Since 2010, the Gold Coast SUNS have enjoyed the support of a loyal band of members whose passion for AFL and the formation of the Gold Coast SUNS can never be understated. We will continue to celebrate this milestone with 2010 members in 2014 by producing a special boxed Guernsey which will carry the name of all 5-year members. Your name or family name and member ID will also be printed near the bottom hem of the Guernsey for added
personalisation. It will be worn by the playing group at a home game here at Metricon Stadium next season. It’s our way of thanking you for your valued, passionate and continued support of the Club. This exclusive Foundation Members Guernsey is available to pre-order until 30 March 2014 for you to own a slice of club history. For further information, contact Gold Coast SUNS Membership Services: 1300 784 436 | gcmembership@goldcoastfc.com.au
* For illustration purposes only
Pattemore Charlotte Pattemore David Pattemore Graham Pattenden Maureen Pattenden Lyn Peart Tony Peart Mariana Peck Garry Peck Dylan Peck Jensen Peck Barry Pendlebury Shane Pengilly Maria Perkins Craig Perl Shirley Perl Richard Perry Leon Perry Don Petersen Colin Pettit Thomas Petty Ken Petty Wayne Phillips Raelene Phillips Hunter Phillips Christine Phillips Bernadina Phillips Leigh Philpot Stephen Philpot Graeme Pickett Ian Picone Judy Pierias Bradley Pinch Vicki Pinner Kevin Pinner Marianne Pitman Neal Pitman Andy Pitt Ayleisha Plant Clyde Plant Nicholas Plant Barry Plant Karen Plant Juliette Pofandt George Pofandt Tristan Pofandt Isabelle Pofandt Steven Poteri Brett Powell Nola Powell Ron Powell Kerry Powell Warren Powell Marcia Powell Joshua Power Madison Power Wayne Power Harrison Powick Harry Pratt Kimberley Pregun Aaron Pregun Nikolas Pregun Eddie Pregun Lachlan Pregun Jarrod Pregun Leanne Presser Ben Presser Taj Presser Heidi Presser Johanna Presser Tim Presser Craig Price Jasmine Price Joseph Price Barbara Price Stephen Price Yvonne Price Katrina Pridmore Archie Pridmore Luke Pridmore Marg Pullen Doug Pullen Gary Pumpa Veronica Pumpa Pam Punter Les Punter Jeff Purcell Nicolle Pyle Scott Pyle Sean Quinn Kathy Quinn David Quinn Ander Ramirez Belinda Rana Ashlee Rana-Smith Nathan Rana-Smith Luke Rana-Smith Cooper Rana-Smith Terry Rankin Martine Ransom Tabitha Ransom Letizia Raschella-Sergi Alex Raso Allan Ratilainen Les Rawlinson Lisa Rayner Alexander Rayner Lisette Rayner Paul Rayner Graeme Reardon Daryl Redford David Redman Steve Reeby John Regan Sharon Reid Alan Reid Sean Reid Diane Reynolds Tom Reynolds Dean Reynolds Mitchell Rice June Richards Michael Richardson Mark Richardson Di Richters Ben Rijnbeek Ruben Ripper Steve Ririe Bradley Ritchie Bronwyn Ritchie Kate Rivers Michael Roache Deborah Robbins Dennis Robel Kylie Roberts Scott Roberts Jackson Roberts Mitchell Roberts Don Roberts Doug Robertson Jim Robertson John Robertson Lysbeth Robertson David Robertson Kim Robinson Ian Robinson Darren Robl Peter Roche Damien Rogers Jo-Anne Rogers Ethan Rogers Jake Rogers Malcolm Rogers Judy Rogers Tim Rogers Jack Rojahn-Searle Brian Roper Maurie Roshier Joy Roshier Laurel Ross Malcolm Ross James Ross Chris Rosser Damien Rossiter Jacob Rossiter Susan Rowe Brian Rowe John Rowney Andrew Rowse Katie Rowse Deborah Ruscoe Abbey Russell Luke Russell Annissa Russell Daniel Russell Marilyn Rutherford John Rutherford Matthew Rutherford Sydney Ryan Helen Ryan Karen Ryan Michael Ryan Jadyn Ryan Blake Ryan Zoe Ryan Sydney Ryan James Ryley Bruce Ryley Rebecca Sanders James Sarandoglou Stuart Saunders Juliet Saunders Madeline Saunders Donald Saunders Annabelle Saunders Tony Saunders Brad Scale Dwayne Scarr Michael Schachtel Wayne Schachtel Roslyn V Schmidt Ronald Schmutter Kerrie Schott N Schulz Warren Schulz Jeff Schwartz Eric Scicluna David Scott Cliff Scott Luke Scott Olivia Scott Danielle Scott Ashleigh Scott Wally Scott Craig Scrase Mark Sculley Dominic Scullino Paul Scurrah John Seager Rosemary Seager Ben Searle Paul Searle Karen Seefeld Kevin Seers Jenny Senior Craig Senior Vince Sergi Daniel Sergi-Hegedus Maurie Service Dennis Severin Campbell Seward Domenika Seward Liz Shanley Alan Sharkey Robert Sharman Alison Sharp Ted Shaw Julie Shaw Tyce Shaw Jack Shaw Matt Shaw Alan Shaw Michael Shaw Hayley Shaw Peter Shaw Bomber Shearsmith Christine Sheehan Dwade Sheehan Philippa Sheehan Indiana Sheehan Hudson Sheehan Steve Shelley Les Shepherd Valmai Shepherd Suzanne Sheppard John Shores Ian Short Wendy Short Joseph Sibberas Terri Sibberas Geoff Simmons Lee Simons Andrew Simpson Chris Simpson Paul Sims Hugh Simson Narelle Simson Julie Sinclair Paul Sinclair Julie Sing John Sing Taylor Sing Tiana Sing Rob Singer Maria Singer Dana Singer Erin Singer Theresa Singleton Paul Singleton Lauris Sippel Hayden Sippel Flynn Sippel Tony Skelton Charlotte Skidmore Adrian Skidmore Bree Skinner Jayne Slater Christine Sly Mark Sly Carol Small Holly Small Diane Smith Glenn Smith Neil Smith Jenny Smith Jacki Smith Karen Smith Wayne Smith Leah Smith Norm Smith Sandy Smith Ross Smith Bruce Smith Ian Smith Sheryl Smith Jason Smith Jamie Smith Michael Smith Nathan Smith Lesley Smith Bernie Smith Brock Smith Luke Smith Valmai Smith Joan Smith Scott Smout Suzanne Smout Georgia Smout Jasmine Smout Nic Smythe Lucas Snowball Ryan Snowball Mark Snowball Brittany Solca Phyllis Southgate Matthew Spence Shane Spencer Kevin Spilsbury Maureen Spilsbury Garry Spinks Helen Spinks Paul Spinks Lachlan Spinks Ella Spinks Jackson Spinks Kerry Spinks Mark Spinks Paul Sposato Gavin Stafford Mark Stagg Janet Stagg Isaac Stagg Mackenzie Stagg Jamie Stahl Gillian Stanfield Bernard Stanford Robyn Stanford Danny Stanley Bev Staples Costa Stathis Gabel Stathis Melanie Staunton Christopher Stear Inessa Stear Yelena Stear Jack Stear Paul Steen Kristian Stenholm Heather Stephens Russell Stephens Chloe Stephens Jon Stephens Tamara Stephens Chase Stephens Grant Stephens Cassandra Stephens Indiana Stevens Leahanna Stevens Nathan Stewart Peter Stirk Rainsford Stone Dale Stonelake Dean Stratman Dianne Streitberg Bill Streitberg Steven Strickland Marina Strickland Greg Strong Sarah Stuart Nick Suddes Peter Sullivan Colin Sullivan Denise Sullivan Jim Sullivan Carol Sullivan Alan Summers Kim-Maree Summers William Summers Leonie Sutcliffe Fred Sutherland Bev Sutherland Cheryl Sutton Bob Sutton Ian Swallow Alice Swallow David Swallow Gary Swift Kayleen Swift Kate Swift Thomas Swift Cody Sykes Kiara Sykes Paul Sykes Leigh Symes John Synot Don Tabor Carline Tabor Joanne Tamis Jack Tamis Anita Tanna Michael Tanna Seamus Tanna Hugo Tanna Lillian Tanna Carl Tanner Shannan Tate Toby Taylor Greg Taylor David Taylor Barry Taylor Wendy Taylor Kerry Templeton Peter Tennent John Ternes Mark Thatcher Ross Thies Andrew Thom Rhys Thomas Trevor Thomas Diane Thomas Greg Thomas Janine Thomas Robert Thompson Lyndal Ellice Thompson Riley Thompson Madison Thompson Andrew Thompson Gaye Thompson Fiona Thompson Amber Thompson Brett Thompson Leeanne Thompson Michelle Thorncroft Arthur Tilyard Harry Tindall Vicki Tindall Michaela Tipson Howard Tipson Sean Tobin Robert Tomkins Norman Tomlinson Joan Tomlinson Sharon Tonazzi Bruce Tonks Harrison Tonks Michelle Tonks Nicholas Tonks Suzanne Tosch Michael Tosch Michael Towers Natasha Travis Ella Travis Tanner Travis Kye Travis Andrew Travis William Traynor Ernie Treffene Helen Tribe Brian Tribe Debbi Tripp Brian Tripp Garry Truscott Desma Truscott Craig Truscott Anne Truscott Mick Tudor Mia Tudor Andrew Tulloch Susan Tulloch Alex Tulloch Indi Tulloch Jenny Turner Luke Turner Ashley Turner Dion Turner Dion Turner Scott Turner Leona Turnor Ben Tyson Jodie Tyson Nick Tyson Lucy Tyson Zeke Uwland Mali Uwland Jarrah Uwland Mark Uwland Michelle Uwland Bodhi Uwland Kerry Valentan Rhonda Valkenburg Julian Van Dendreist Kellie Van Spronsen Peter Van Spronsen Sylvia Vandereep Robert Verhoeve Andrew Verity Giorgina Villanti Julie Vincent David Vogel Janelle Voysey Jaggen Wadda Peter Waddell John Waddell Ralph Waddington Russell Wade Kathy Wade Dale Wagner Jill Wainwright David Waite James Waked Cameron Waked Mary Waldie Siobhan Waldie Ryley Waldie Wayne Waldie Gus Walker Brett Walker Graham Wall Bernie Walsh Craig Walsh Cameron Walsh Lachlan Walsh Anissa Walsh Kevin Walter Graeme Walters Karen Walters Jackson Walters Nicholas Walters Laurel Ward Bill Ward Fran Ward Emmerson Laura Wardy Phillip Ware Jan Ware Lance Warren David Warren Sandy Warren Jacob Warren Leesa Warren Mathew Warren Mark Waterman Chris Waterman Jai Waters Riley Waters Nicholas Waters Mark Waters Melanie Waters Greg Watkins Duncan Watkinson Julie Watson Russell Watson Jack Watson Beau Watson Steven Watts Tracy Watts Clayton Watts Brett Watts Craig Watts Nadine Watts Madeleine Watts Lucie Watts Vicki Watts Neil Weatherly Henny Weatherly Graham Webb Fay Webb Peter Webster Peter Wedesweiler Peter Weeks Brodie Weeks Brian Weidlich Beverly Weidlich Jan Weight Louise Weire Daryn Weller Lachlan Weller Isaac Wengier Barry Western Karen Western Gherry Westerveld Jan Westerveld Dave Wetton Krystal Wharton Andrew Wheatley Shannon Wheatley Lachlan Wheatley Angus Wheatley Peter Wheeler David Whelan Gavin Whelan Peter White Rachel White Greg White Lesley White Amanda White Danielle Whitesides Izaak Whitesides Aliah Whitesides Peter Whitesides Maxwell Whitford John Whitting Melissa Whitting Bronte Wilkinson Shane Wilkinson Cooper Wilkinson Silvia Wilkinson Toby Wilkinson Michelle Willcox Mark Williams Sebastian Williams Jeremy Williams Amanda Williams Paul Wilmot Tony Wilshire Susan Wilshire Laura Wilson Harley Wilson D’artagnan Wilson Pippi Wilson Sandra Wilson Paul Wilson Alan Wilson Robert Wilson Brett Wingrave Donna Wingrave Abbey Wingrave Jack Wingrave Lyndsey Winter Clint Winter Natalie Winter Riley Winter Kyle Winter Tyson Winter Amber Winter Roslyn Winterbon Elaine Wischusen Meghan Wischusen Peter Wischusen Paul Wischusen Emily Wischusen Bernadene Wisdom Peter Wise Clancy Wishart Vanessa Wobcke Lachlan Wobcke Greg Wobcke Joshua Wobcke Fred Wolbers Jackson Wong Malcolm Wood Ian Wood Marlene Wood Lily Wood Lindsay Wood Jack Woodman Paul Woodman Thomas Woodman Greg Woods Adam Woollard Carmen Woollard Les Woollard Bradley Wooten John Worthington Michael Wright Adam Wright Susan Wright Denis Wyeth Brian Yaxley David Yeomans Julian Young Bailey Young Jessica Young Edward Young Julianne Young Helen Young Noah Young Nicole Young Mark Young Robert Zaffiro Daryl Zaffiro Trevor Zaffiro Jordan Zeinert Jack Zeinert Michele Zeinert Paul Zeinert Jose Zurro
goldcoastfc.com.au
FIRE UP | 5YRS MEMBERSHIP |
39
Coaching Staff
Malcolm Blight
Josh Fraser 40
| Coaching 5YRS MEMBERSHIP Staff | FIRE | FIRE UP UP
Ashley Prescott
Guy McKenna
Matt Primus
Dean Solomon
Mark Riley
Andy Lovell
Brett Munro
Aaron Rogers Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Guy McKenna Senior Coach After retiring from the AFL, McKenna coached in the West Australian Football League as senior coach of the Claremont Football Club, and achieved considerable success before moving to an Assistant Coaching role with the West Coast Eagles, and then at Collingwood to complete a thorough apprenticeship under Michael Malthouse. McKenna coached the Gold Coast throughout 2009 & 2010 as the side progressed through the under 18’s TAC Cup program and VFL through to the AFL competition. Recruited to West Coast Eagles in 1988 as a pre-draft selection, McKenna played for 267 games with the Eagles including the 1992 and 1994 premierships. He formed one of the most feared backlines in the AFL alongside former teammates John Worsfold, Ashley McIntosh, Glen Jakovich and Michael Brennan. He is a dual Best & Fairest winner, once in 1989 and the other in 1999, and finished in the top three on five other occasions. He captained the Eagles in his final two seasons in the AFL between 1999-2000, before retiring at the end of 2000.
Malcolm Blight Coaching Advisor Regarded as one of the greatest players in the game’s history, Malcolm Blight has enjoyed tremendous success as both an AFL player and coach. Having played, coached and won a Brownlow Medal with the North Melbourne Football Club in the 70s, Blight coached Geelong Cats in three AFL Grand Finals and coached the Adelaide Crows to back-to-back Premierships in 1997-98. Originally joining the GC SUNS in 2009 as a Board member, Blight stepped down as Director of Football to take up a part-time advisory role to GC SUNS coach Guy McKenna.
Matt Primus Midfield Coach Joining the Gold Coast SUNS as an Assistant Coach in 2012,
goldcoastfc.com.au
Primus has played a significant role in developing the Club’s young midfield talent.
in 1995 as a development coach, before progressing to an assistant coaching role in 1998.
Retiring from the AFL in 2004, Primus moved into an assistant coaching role at Port Adelaide under mentor Mark Williams.
In 2001, Riley returned to the WAFL where he coached Claremont for two seasons, before heading to the Melbourne Football Club in 2003 where he accepted a role on their coaching panel.
When Williams stepped down as senior coach mid-way through the 2010 Season, Primus initially took over as caretaker coach, before his appointment to the top job after finishing the season with 5 wins out of 7 games. Primus spent three seasons as the Power’s senior coach, before joining the GC SUNS. As a player, he enjoyed a successful and illustrious career at West Lakes, captaining Port Adelaide from 2001-2005 whilst establishing himself as one of the game’s top ruckman.
Dean Solomon Defence Coach Solomon made his AFL debut in 1998 for Essendon and was part of their 2000 Premiership team. On 13 October 2006 Solomon was traded to the Fremantle Dockers, following a trade of draft picks No. 42 and No. 47, Fremantle also gained pick No. 52 from the Bombers. He links up with close friend, forward Chris Tarrant who was traded to the Dockers on the same day from Collingwood. On 18 February 2010 Solomon announced his retirement from AFL football due to a painful degenerative knee injury. He joined the new Gold Coast SUNS as an Assistant Coach in the months before they entered the AFL for the 2011 season, and has been largely responsible for the development of the Club’s defensive structures.
Mark Riley Offence Coach Mark Riley joined the GC SUNS as Assistant Coach in 2012, bringing more than 18 years worth of AFL and WAFL coaching experience. Riley, who had previously coached at Carlton, fulfils the role of offensive coach. The West Australian began his AFL coaching career after joining the Fremantle Dockers
During 2007, Riley was appointed caretaker coach for the final nine matches of the season after Neale Daniher stepped down as senior coach. In 2008, Riley joined Carlton where he spent five seasons with the Blues before joining the GC SUNS in 2012.
Andy Lovell Head of Development Leading the Club’s development program, Lovell’s passion for welfare and player development has been a significant coup for the Gold Coast SUNS football department. After gaining valuable coaching experience as coach of the VFL Sandringham Zebras, Lovell joined the GC SUNS in 2010. As a player, he was recruited to Melbourne from Tasmanian club Glenorchy and in his debut season played in their losing Grand Final to Hawthorn Football Club. A Ruck-Rover, Lovell was handy near goals and in a game at the MCG against Richmond in 1993 he kicked a career best eight goals as his side won by a record 121 points. The previous year he ran second in Melbourne’s Best and fairest. Lovell was traded to West Coast Eagles for the 1996 AFL season and spent three years in their midfield before retiring.
Josh Fraser NEAFL/ Development Coach After harbouring an ambition to pursue coaching and development opportunities in the AFL following his 12-month absence from the game, Fraser returned to the Gold Coast SUNS at the start of the 2014 Pre Season as development coach, before accepting the role of NEAFL coach following the departure of Shaun Hart.
has a great understanding of the club, and has demonstrated a real hunger to develop the playing list.
Ashley Prescott Development Coach Ashley Prescott started his role with the GC SUNS in early 2014. Prescott played 128 games with Richmond and Fremantle between 1993-2001, before going on to coach Claremont in the WAFL (2004-07). Prescott continued his coaching career spending three years respectively with Essendon (2008-2010) and Fremantle (2011-13). He brings a wealth of knowledge to the Gold Coast SUNS having played and coached at the elite level for over 20 years.
Brett Munro Opposition Coach Brett Munro joined the GC SUNS as Opposition Coach in 2011, bringing with him more than 11 years experience in a similar role. Prior to working at the GC SUNS, Munro had been serving Carlton as the team’s full time Opposition Coach and Analyst. Munro’s role is based in Melbourne.
Aaron Rogers Academy Head Coach/ Development Coach Aaron Rogers joined the GC SUNS as Academy Head Coach/ Development Coach in 2014, the former NEAFL premiership player bringing with him more than 10 years of state level experience. As well as working closely with the GC SUNS NEAFL team on a matchday, Rogers will coach the GC SUNS Talent Academy Program under Talent Manager Jason Torney. The GC SUNS Talent Academy Program provides a pathway for young emerging players to assist in finding a place on an AFL senior list, developing the skills on and off the field.
The former GC SUNS Ruckman
FIRE UP | COACHING STAFF |
41
FIRE UP YOUR
WARDROBE!
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S POLO & CAP
MERCHANDISE PACKS COME FIRED UP IN RED WITH THIS YEAR’S EXCLUSIVE MERCHANDISE PACKAGES. We have two great packs to choose from but get in quick as there are only a limited number available.
KIDS TRUCKER AND TEE
$30
$40 MEN’S POLO SIZE GUIDE Chest Measurements (cm)
XS (105) S (110) M (115) L (120) XL (125)
2XL (130) 3XL (135) 4XL (140) 5XL (145)
WOMEN’S POLO SIZE GUIDE
TODDLER/ JUNIOR TEE Chest Measurements (cm)
2 (66) 4 (70) 6 (74) 8Y (86) 10Y (90)
Chest Measurements (cm)
8 (94) 10 (99) 12 (104) 14 (109) 16 (114) 18 (119)
HOURS Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, closed weekends and public holidays ADDRESS Metricon Stadium (entry via gate 4) Nerang-Broadbeach Rd, Carrara QLD 4211 PHONE 07 5644 6226 EMAIL merchandise@goldcoastfc.com.au
GOLDCOASTFC.COM.AU
It’s all about Raising the bar Navigating through the heart of the Grand Canyon, to mountain biking through Sedona and singing the team song atop Mt. Humphrey’s, the Gold Coast SUNS reached new heights during the club’s 2XU High Performance Camp in Flagstaff, Arizona.
44
| Arizona | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Nothing short of superior conditioning was going to make the cut during Pre-Season training Their toughest high-altitude training camp yet, the entire playing list and support staff battled natured elements throughout the fourteen-day tour, pushing through arduous conditions and extreme snowstorms. Captured through the lens of the SUNS TV Production Unit, this year’s enhanced #SUNSarizona digital coverage highlights the dedication and sacrifice required to achieving success in the always testing AFL environment. Nothing short of superior conditioning was going to make the cut during Pre-Season training, with Stephen Schwerdt focused on having the senior squad return to the Gold Coast ready to complete the same training load undertaken by an seasoned AFL list. In a promising sign of things to come, the players responded
goldcoastfc.com.au
to the challenge, pushing each other to absolute breaking point. Five of the club’s emerging leaders in Tom Lynch, Dion Prestia, David Swallow, Danny Stanley and Seb Tape led the charge, and were a key reason behind the team’s surge in Arizona, with each player named respective team captains. Taller in presence and louder in voice, the chiefs of the camp delivered in spades, demonstrating a strong desire to Guy McKenna and the rest of the coaching staff that the emerging leadership group were hungry to seize custody of the club’s future. Inside the main training centre, players were hard at work. Setting new benchmarks on the athletic track, Jeremy Taylor was trailblazing his way through the time trials, indicating
FIRE UP | Arizona |
45
he would be no easy beat in the long-distance tests over the summer. As always, Swallow trained with envious intensity, with the polished midfielder celebrating his 21st birthday with 400m repetitions. But almost by instinct, Swallow’s elite standards lifted those around him, as the likes of Jackson Allen and Timmy Sumner responded in tune. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all smiles, with the painfully thin air testing many in the playing list. The difficulty of breathing at high altitude hit Jesse Lonergan harder than a Karmichael Hunt shirtfront, while other players struggled to sleep above sea level. Taking another step up, Dion Prestia came close to being named best performer in the United States, but the honour would ultimately be awarded to Seb Tape. The South Australian came of age during the club’s final challenge of Mount Humphrey’s, rallying his troops in Gary Ablett, Leigh Osborne and Lonergan as they became the first group to reach the summit of the iconic mountain peak. All from a touch of a button, members and fans can now relive all the action from the Gold Coast SUNS 2XU High Performance Camp, simply by scanning the available QR codes. GCS
46
| Arizona | FIRE UP
In a promising sign of things to come, the players responded to the challenge, pushing each other to absolute breaking point.
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Their toughest high-altitude training camp yet
Club History JAEGER O’MEARA
GARY ABLETT
ALL AUSTRALIAN 2011 Gary Ablett (Captain)
2012 Josh Caddy
AFLPA
2013 Gary Ablett (Vice -Captain)
Best FIRST YEAR player 2013 Jaeger O’Meara
| Club History | FIRE UP
2011
Brandon Matera Zac Smith, David Swallow Trent McKenzie
ZAC SMITH
2012 Gary Ablett (Vice -Captain)
48
NAB AFL RISING STAR Nominees
JIM STYNES COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
22 under 22 2013 Jaeger O’Meara Trent McKenzie Tom Nichols Dion Prestia Rory Thompson
2013 Jaeger O’Meara Tom Nicholls
Leigh Matthews Medal - MVP 2012 Gary Ablett 2013 Gary Ablett
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
GC SUNS GAMES GC SUNS GOALS
Gary Ablett
Trent McKenzie
Jarrod Harbrow
Jared Brennan*
Danny Stanley
Matt Shaw
Harley Bennell
Dion Prestia
David Swallow
Games 2013 21
All-Time CLUB Games 61
Games 2013 18
All-Time CLUB Games 57
Games 2013 21
All-Time CLUB Games 56
Games 2013 15
All-Time CLUB Games 54
Games 2013 18
All-Time CLUB Games 53
Games 2013 18
All-Time CLUB Games 52
Games 2013 15
All-Time CLUB Games 51 All-Time CLUB Games 51
Games 2013 20 Games 2013 18
Campbell Brown*
Games 2013 13
Michael Rischitelli
Games 2013 11
Zac Smith
Games 2013 8
Karmichael Hunt
All-Time CLUB Games 51 All-Time CLUB Games 46 All-Time CLUB Games 46 All-Time CLUB Games 44
Games 2013 9
All-Time CLUB Games 43
Luke Russell
All-Time CLUB Games 43
Sam Day
Gary Ablett
Harley Bennell
Campbell Brown*
Tom Lynch
Brandon Matera
Games 2013 18 Games 2013 20
2013 28
2013 8
Charlie Dixon
Zac Smith
2013 8
Jared Brennan*
2013 8
David Swallow Matt Shaw Trent McKenzie
All-Time 35 All-Time 35
All-Time 45
2013 7
All-Time 58
2013 23
Aaron Hall
Michael Rischitelli
All-Time 72
2013 19
Danny Stanley
Sam Day
All-Time CLUB Games 42
2013 24 All-Time 32 2013 10
All-Time 31 2013 19 All-Time 29 All-Time 27 All-Time 26
2013 12 2013 6
2013 3
All-Time 22
2013 8
13 2
All-Time 24 All-Time 22
All-Time 20 All-Time 19
CONSECUTIVE GAMES
CONSECUTIVE GAMES FROM DEBUT
Rank
Player
Streak
Start
Finish
Rank
Player
Streak
Start
Finish
1 2 2 2 5 6 6 8 9 9 9 9
Bennell, Harley Brennan, Jared* Ablett, Gary Harbrow, Jarrod Shaw, Matt Harbrow, Jarrod Warnock, Matthew Caddy, Josh* Stanley, Danny Matera, Brandon Hall, Aaron O’Meara, Jaeger
34 29 29 29 28 26 26 24 22 22 22 22
R16/2011 R2/2011 R7/2012 R15/2012 R14/2012 R2/2011 R1/2012 R23/2011 R2/2011 R11/2012 R1/2013 R1/2013
R3/2013 R7/2012 R14/2013 R21/2013 R20/2013 R4/2012 R4/2013 R23/2012 R23/2011 R10/2013 Current Current
1 2 3 4 5
Caddy, Josh* O’Meara, Jaeger McKenzie, Trent Smith, Zac Swallow, David
24˘ 22† 11 10 10
R23/2011 R1/2013 R2/2011 R2/2011 R2/2011
R23/2012 R24/2013 R13/2011 R12/2011 R12/2011
goldcoastfc.com.au
The start and finish of each streak is recorded by Round and Year. So, R23/2011 is Round 23, 2011. ˘ J osh Caddy's streak was unbroken when he left the club at the end of 2012. * Player has left the Gold Coast SUNS. †J aeger O'Meara's streak was unbroken at the end of 2013.
FIRE UP | Club History |
49
COMMUNITY UPDATE The Gold Coast SUNS have remained committed to supporting the Gold Coast through meaningful relationships and innovative programs and activity. Our promise is to continue engaging and developing our sustainable community programs, that exist to provide benefit and support well into the future. The Gold Coast SUNS players, coaching staff and administration team, as part of this commitment, have delivered more than 15,000 hours of community service (5,000 per year) in the Club’s first three seasons. Significantly, the Gold Coast SUNS were acknowledged on a multiple of platforms, including: • Zac Smith – winner of the 2013 AFL’s Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award • The Queensland Police Crime and Prevention Award for it’s partnership with Gold Coast Police through the Love Bites program • City of Gold Coast (Council) – Safer Suburbs awards winner (Business Category)
Horizon’s Program To better identify the tremendous work the Gold Coast SUNS achieve in the community space, the Club officially launched the Horizon’s Program in 2013, delivering all of its community initiatives under the umbrella program. Equally exciting was the announcement that Rotary Gold Coast (9640) would jump on board as the official partner for
50
| Community Update | FIRE UP
the Horizon’s Program, helping the Club combat the most challenging areas of social responsibility on the Gold Coast, the three including: • Youth Homelessness • Respect and Responsibility (Domestic Violence) • Northern Growth Corridor
Youth Homelessness With over 1,400 Gold Coasters at risk of homelessness on the Gold Coast, the GC SUNS worked closely with its charity partners, Gold Coast Youth Services, Project for Homeless Youth Gold Coast and YHES House to provide key service and support to those affected by youth homelessness. The activities the Club run or support in this area include the Youth Homeless Golf Day, Face your Fears Day, the Homeless Sleepout and Homeless Connect, which are both now held at Metricon Stadium each year.
Respect and Responsibility (Domestic Violence) The Gold Coast SUNS strongly support a focus on Respect and Responsibility to both women and children and also within the wider Community. A key component of this Respect and Responsibility pillar is supporting the area of Domestic Violence awareness, where the Club work closely in programs, activity and fundraising with its four charities in this area being: ACT for Kids, CEO Challenge, Paradise Kids and the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast.
Northern Growth Corridor With the Gold Coast continuing to expand at a rapid rate in the Northern region of the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast SUNS have been heavily involved in activity and programs in the North Gold Coast region to assist this local Community. The Gold Coast SUNS are working closely with schools and service providers and support three key charities in the region being: Studio Village Community Centre, Oxenford and Coomera Community Centre and FSG (Coomera).
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Sign Up For Women of the SUNS Today
Package Inclusion
What started as a small networking opportunity for Gold Coast women to connect is quickly developing into one of the most popular ladies group on the Gold Coast, with the event last year moved to Jupiters Hotel & Casino in a bid to meet the overwhelming numbers. The 2013 lunch proved to be as popular as ever with dozens of ladies on a waiting list as the event reached capacity.
• Social and professional networking opportunities
As we prepare for the 2014 AFL season, the Gold Coast SUNS invite you to join the Women of the SUNS (WOTS) group where you can meet other women whilst enjoying a host of exclusive functions throughout the season.
52
| Women of the SUNS | FIRE UP
Priority access to purchase tickets to Women of the SUNS events during the year including the GC SUNS annual Ladies Lunch (discounts to events may apply) • 2014 WOTS pin • WOTS e-newsletters throughout the year and access to all the latest news from the Club
Membership $55 Phone: 07 5510 6000 Email: women@goldcoastfc.com.au *Membership is restricted to people 18 years and over.
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
The Disney Difference My family and I attended several games last season after my son started playing junior footy. We loved the atmosphere at Metricon Stadium so much that we have all now jumped on board to be 2014 members. Julianne. Member #1475806
It’s the Disney difference From the moment you step off the bus and walk through the gates to Metricon Stadium, you become wrapped in an extraordinary game-day experience unlike any other in Australian sport. Since running out onto the Metricon Stadium surface in 2011, the Gold Coast SUNS have been relentless in their vision to deliver an unparalleled match-day experience for their customers.
54
successful adaption of the Disney operating philosophies has been the key driver behind Metricon Stadium’s recognition as the AFL industry leader in match day experience. “Delivering a unique and memorable experience to all customers is an integral component of our stadium strategy,” Travis said. “Certainly the feedback from our fans is that we have exceeded their stadium experience expectations”. “Round 20 last year, I was randomly chosen to win the match ball after the Round 20 game v Melbourne. Just for being a member! Couldn’t believe it and being presented with the match ball by Danny Stanley just topped off my night.” Joseph. 2009 Foundation Member #542045
To assist turning this vision into a reality, the club engaged the Disney Institute – the entertainment conglomerate that has been for decades a global leader in customer experience.
“Thanks so much for giving me the chance to run out with the Gold Coast SUNS, it was really fun. I also loved my Guernsey, shorts and socks I got to dress up in on the night and take home.”
GC SUNS Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Travis, believes the
Jakob. Junior Member #321087
| The Disney Difference | FIRE UP
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
BEAT THE QUEUE Pre-order your food and beverages on your phone and
sit back whilst your order gets delivered to your seat.
Available to all Gold A members seated in the western stand. QkR in-seat service allows members to order food and beverages online via the QkR app by MasterCard and have their order delivered straight to their seat. Ensuring they don’t miss a second of the footy! For more information or to upgrade to a Gold A membership with a QkR benefit contact the Membership Services Team on 1300 784 436 or at gcmembership@goldcoastfc.com.au
Metricon Stadium has been purposely built to create an innovative events centre that is sure to inspire. With distinctly different, modern, well appointed function facilities and the latest in audio visual technology, you will immediately be impressed with the uniqueness and quality of this iconic multi-purpose event and entertainment venue.
Book Now to secure your next memorable event. Call 07 5564 6215 or email metriconstadiumfunctions@mobc.com.au www.metriconstadium.com.au
Leadership Group
FUTURE LEADERS EMERGE Entering the Gold Coast SUNS fourth season in the AFL, a crop of future stars have risen, and a select few, through their actions on and off the field, have made their way into the GC SUNS leadership group. Tom Lynch, Dion Prestia and David Swallow all earning positions in the leadership group ahead of the 2014 Season. The Gold Coast trio join Gary Ablett, Nathan Bock and Michael Rischitelli as part of a six-man player leadership team. Ablett, who will continue as Captain, says the elevations of Lynch, Prestia and Swallow showed the Gold Coast was moving in the right direction. “It’s a good sign for us, as it shows we are moving forward as a football club,” Ablett said. “To have these boys stepping up into the leadership group is going to be fantastic for the rest of the players.” Just one of the many senior club officials charged with the responsibility of turning these boys into men, GC SUNS Player Development Manager Simon Fletcher has played a significant role in developing Lynch, Prestia and Swallow as future leaders through the Gold Coast SUNS Emerging Leadership Program.
goldcoastfc.com.au
A former leadership and development facilitator at Leading Teams Australia, Fletcher has gained a wealth of experience in player welfare, development and management. “The program is about getting them to take more ownership of their actions around the football club,” Fletcher said. “We want to see these players having the confidence to lead by example and understanding the impact they can have around the club. “We want to see our players challenging each other, and making each other better.” Having graduated through the AFL system, as both player and administrator, Fletcher believes the key to strong organisational leadership is positive communication. “The aim is to get them comfortable with talking to each other, and having the confidence to open up and express their genuine opinions,” Fletcher said. For the first time since the club began completing high altitude camps in Arizona, Lynch, Prestia, Swallow, were joined by Danny Stanley and Seb Tape as leaders during the team based challenges throughout the camp. On reflection, Fletcher said the leadership assignment had been a significant milestone for the club’s emerging leaders, with the five honorary Skippers made to lead in front of their peers and support staff. “The big thing about having the boys as leaders in Arizona, was it acknowledged that the players were rated by their fellow peers as leaders, and really gave them an opportunity to step up in front of the playing group.” “It further illustrates the growing respect for the boys as leaders, and no doubt we will look for more ways to invest in their development in future team activities.”
FIRE UP | Future Leaders |
57
Player Profiles GCS takes a close look at the Gold Coast SUNS playing list, speaking with coaches and recruiters about each players goals as they FIRE UP for the 2014 season.
2014
Gold Coast SUNS Playing List
goldcoastfc.com.au
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Jaeger O’Meara Zac Smith Tim Sumner Jack Martin Jarrod Harbrow Alex Sexton Karmichael Hunt Luke Russell Gary Ablett Dion Prestia Harley Bennell Sam Day Andrew Boston Matthew Warnock Daniel Gorringe Rory Thompson Steven May Trent McKenzie Tom Lynch Henry Schade Jeremy Taylor Tom Nicholls
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 43 44 46 48
Charlie Dixon David Swallow Danny Stanley Matt Shaw Clay Cameron Kade Kolodjashnij Tom Murphy Jackson Allen Brandon Matera Aaron Hall Jack Hutchins Michael Rischitelli Greg Broughton Jesse Lonergan Jack Leslie Louis Herbert Sean Lemmens Leigh Osborne Jarred Ellis Nathan Bock Josh Hall Seb Tape
FIRE UP | Player Profiles |
59
Jaeger O’Meara
Zac Smith
Timmy Sumner
“ Bomb”
“ Smithy ”
“ Timmy ”
jaegeromeara
@ZacSmith_2
Jaeger O’Meara
01
Zac Smith
02
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
182 cm 23-02-1994
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
82 kg
2013
22
CAREER GOALS
15
littleteekay
Timmy Sumner
03
Ruckman Height
DOB
WEIGHT
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
205 cm 22-02-1990 98 kg
2013
2011
44
Forward
CAREER GOALS
Height
DOB
27
187 cm
09-10-94
WEIGHT
86 kg
2013
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
11
2013
6
2013
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
22
16
11
231
97
245
8
8
3
49
16
34
11
6
12
62
30
34
“The challenge for Jaeger this season will be to remain as consistent as he was during his impressive first-year campaign. He played every game during his maiden season and capped it off by claiming the 2013 NAB AFL Rising Star Award. If he can continue to play consistent football then he will give himself every opportunity to build on his impressive first season.”
CAREER GOALS
“Although Zac will not return until mid-season, the challenge for him will be to regain his football touch after being away from the competition for such an extended period of time. He found some great form before going down with injury, and will have his sights set on getting back on the playing field.”
“Although he still has a lot of room for improvement, Timmy showed real potential during his 2013 campaign. Performing a cameo role in attack, he produced some exciting things. He will be looking to build a fitness base at AFL standard to ensure he can continue to press for senior opportunities. “
Midfield Coach
Offensive Coach
Matthew Primus
Mark Riley
Midfield Coach
Matthew Primus
01 60
| Player Profiles | FIRE UP
02
03 Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Player Profiles
Jack Martin
Jarrod Harbrow
Alex Sexton
“ Jacky ”
“ Harbs ”
“ Seko ”
jackmartin_12
alexsexton_
Jack Martin
04
Jarrod Harbrow
05
Forward Height
DOB
WEIGHT
185 cm 29-01-1995
71 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
-
-
CAREER GOALS
-
Alex Sexton
06
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
178 cm 18-07-1988
74 kg
2013
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2007
126
CAREER GOALS
39
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
77 kg
2012
185 cm 03-12-1993
10
4
2013
2013
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
-
-
-
-
-
-
21
12
10
280
82
178
4
3
4
20
7
8
“Jack is an exciting natural footballer, and embraces the opportunity to speak up in team meetings. He sees the game very well and courageously has no issues going back with the flight of the ball. He will be very exciting to watch in 2014.”
CAREER GOALS
“Jarrod had a fantastic year in 2013, finishing in the top 5 for the GC SUNS Club Champion Awards. A powerful runner and great in open space, Jarrod will be looking to improve his contested work.“
Midfield Coach
“Alex endured an injury-interrupted pre-season, working his way back from off-season shoulder surgery. However, in Round 21 against West Coast Eagles we saw the top end of his game and what he is capable of, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of that in 2014.”
Matthew Primus Offensive Coach
Offensive Coach
Mark Riley
Mark Riley
04 goldcoastfc.com.au
05
06 FIRE UP | Player Profiles |
61
Karmichael Hunt
Luke Russell
Gary Ablett
“K”
“ Spook ”
“ Gaz ”
@karmichaelhunt
russellluke8
garyablettjnr
CAPTAIN
Karmichael Hunt
07
Luke Russell
08
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
186 cm
17-11-1986
91 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
43
CAREER GOALS
6
Gary Ablett
09
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
186 cm 24-01-1992
81 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
43
2011
CAREER GOALS
17
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
182 cm 14-05-1984
87kg
2013
2013
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2002
253
CAREER GOALS
334
2013
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
9
2
2
36
21
50
18
6
5
153
74
112
21
28
23
343
73
312
“After an injury-riddled 2013 campaign, Karmichael will be hungrier than ever to return to senior AFL football in 2014. Karmichael can expect to find more of the football in attack this season.”
“Luke played on the wing and on-ball last year, and at times provided great run and carry out of half-back. Although he will be coming off hip surgery, we expect Luke to continue playing consistent senior football in 2014.”
Offensive Coach
Midfield Coach
Mark Riley
Matthew Primus
“What more needs to be said. Gary earned another All Australian and a second Brownlow Medal last year, and although we certainly don’t place those same expectations on him in 2014, we are looking forward to watching Gary continue to provide outstanding leadership both on and off the field.”
Midfield Coach
Matthew Primus
07 62
| Player Profiles | FIRE UP
08
09 Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Player Profiles
Dion Prestia
Harley Bennell
Sam Day
“ Dids ”
“H”
“ Daysie ”
dionprestia
@HarleyBennell
SammyDay12
VICE CAPTAIN
Harley Bennell
11
Dion Prestia
10
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
175 cm
12-10-1992
81 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
51
CAREER GOALS
12
12
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
185 cm 02-10-1992
82kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
51
CAREER GOALS
58
Forward Height
DOB
WEIGHT
196 cm 06-09-1992 101 kg
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
20
9
8
292
78
217
“Dion impressed coaching staff and the entire playing list with his breakout year in the competition in 2013, finishing runner-up to Gary Ablett for the GC SUNS Club Championship. He really set the tone in the midfield alongside the skipper and Jaeger O’Meara, and will no doubt be looking to continue doing so in 2014.”
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
42
CAREER GOALS
24
2013
2013
2013
Sam Day
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
15
19
18
198
55
142
20
12
8
112
72
93
“With a solid pre-season campaign, Harley will be looking to impact the contest and involve himself more around the stoppages, as he did when he took the competition by storm after his sensational 2012 season.”
“In 2014, Sam Day will be looking to improve his contested marking ability, having already shown his elite skills in the air. He will be looking to utilise his size and smarts in attack.”
Offensive Coach Midfield Coach
Matthew Primus
Mark Riley
Midfield Coach
Matthew Primus
10 goldcoastfc.com.au
11
12 FIRE UP | Player Profiles |
63
Andrew Boston
Matthew Warnock
Daniel Gorringe
“ Bozzo ”
“ Knockers ”
“ Goz ”
andrewboston13
warnockmatt
Andrew Boston
13
Matthew Warnock
14
Forward Height
DOB
WEIGHT
180 cm 23-03-1994
79 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2013
8
CAREER GOALS
7
Daniel Gorringe
15
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
195 cm 03-04-1984 94 kg 2006
2013
81
CAREER GOALS
1
Ruckman Height
DOB
WEIGHT
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
200 cm 02-06-1992 96 kg
2013
2011
17
CAREER GOALS
5
2013
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
8
7
1
44
20
24
4
0
0
19
11
16
9
3
0
46
24
60
“A solid debut season in the AFL, Andrew showed plenty of promise in his eight appearances at the top level. Although there is plenty of work still ahead of him, consistency and an increased work ethic should have the Gold Coaster pressing for more senior opportunities in 2014.”
“Off the back of an injury riddled 2013 campaign, “Knockers” will clearly be determined to get his body right and build on a strong pre-season. A defender who can play on both tall and small forwards, Matthew will give us great flexibility in 2014.”
“Daniel played his best two games towards the end of the season, so he knows he can perform at the top level. He is handy in the air and at ground level, and will be looking to insert himself more in the contest if given the opportunity to play senior AFL football.”
Offensive Coach
Defensive Coach
Midfield Coach
Mark Riley
Dean Solomon
Matthew Primus
13 64
@DGorringe
| Player Profiles | FIRE UP
14
15 Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Player Profiles
Rory Thompson
Steven May
Trent McKenzie
“ Rorz ”
“ Maysie ”
“ Cannon ”
rorythompson
@stevemay_92
Rory Thompson
16
Steven May
17
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
200 cm 12-03-1991
97 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
34
CAREER GOALS
7
@tmckenzie18
Trent McKenzie
18
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
190 cm 10-01-1992
99 kg
2013
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
34
CAREER GOALS
15
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
191 cm 03-04-1992 83 kg
2013
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
57
19
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
21
5
3
157
105
89
17
10
6
113
57
59
18
2
6
254
99
92
“Rory enjoyed a stellar 2013 season, claiming the club’s Most Professional Player Award and Most Improved performer. Knowing he can man the hole at centre half back, Rory will be looking to continue building his game in 2014.”
“Steven was starting to find his feet late in the season, after developing his game as a forward as well as a key defender. Despite an injuryinterrupted pre-season, Steven will enter the 2014 confident he can perform down back, so this season is shaping as a big year for him.”
Defensive Coach
Dean Solomon
goldcoastfc.com.au
“Trent enjoyed his best season in his short AFL career in 2013, and will have gained even more confidence after completing his first full pre-season. Given his rise down back, Trent can expect more attention from AFL opposition, so the challenge to keep improving awaits him.”
Defensive Coach
Dean Solomon
16
CAREER GOALS
2013
17
Defensive Coach
Dean Solomon
18 FIRE UP | Player Profiles |
65
Photograph depicts items not supplied by Metricon including landscaping, timber fencing and water feature. Image includes upgrade items.
IN THE 2014 AFL SEASON METRICON
INVITES GOLD COAST SUNS MEMBERS TO
SAVE 10,000 $
OFF ALL NEW METRICON HOMES^
metricon.com.au LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE ^ The ‘Gold Coast SUNS Members Offer’ is only available to those persons that held a valid 2013 Gold Coast SUNS full membership for 2013 and have renewed their membership for the 2014 season. To order for Metricon to apply the $10,000 discount on a new Metricon home, purchasers must supply their personal details to allow Metricon to confirm their 2013 and 2014 membership with the Gold Coast SUNS Membership office. This promotion applies to Queensland and NSW Building zones only on deposits made from 15.03.2014 until 31.08.14 on new homes (including home and land packages). For further details on the applicable build zone, please speak to a Sales Consultant. Gold Coast SUNS members can only use the $10,000 discount once and only one (1) $10,000 discount can be applied towards each purchase of a new Metricon home. Speak to a Sales Consultant for more information. The Promoter is Metricon Homes Qld Pty Ltd ACN 005 149 137. QBSA Licence 40992. NSW Builders Licence 36654C.
Player Profiles
Tom Lynch
Henry Schade
Jeremy Taylor
“ Lynchy ”
“ Shadey ”
“ JT ”
tom_lynch
henryschade
jezztaylor
VICE CAPTAIN
19
20
Tom Lynch
Henry Schade
Forward Height
DOB
WEIGHT
199 cm 31-10-1992
97 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
38
CAREER GOALS
35
Jeremy Taylor
21
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
196 cm 08-10-1993
88 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
0
-
CAREER GOALS
0
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
191 cm 17-06-1992
89 kg
2011
10
1
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
8
8
6
57
42
40
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
0
0
0
“In the games Tom played in 2013, we produced our best forwardline indicators, so we understand his importance to our offensive structures. He locks the ball in and can take pack marks, and shows a lot of care and aggression for his teammates. We expect big things for Tom in 2014.”
“A project key defender, Henry has put on a lot of bulk and size heading into the 2014 season. He is now getting into a phase where he can put his hand up for senior selection, so this shapes as a big year for him.”
Dean Solomon
Defensive Coach
Dean Solomon
Mark Riley
goldcoastfc.com.au
“Jeremy needs to keep working on the finer parts of his game. He brings a lot to our club, and has a great aerobic capacity to run out games. The challenge for Jeremy in 2014 is to keep building on the confidence that he is ready to perform at the top level.”
Defensive Coach
Offensive Coach
19
CAREER GOALS
2013
2013
2013
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
20
21 FIRE UP | Player Profiles |
67
Tom Nicholls
Charlie Dixon
David Swallow
“ Tommy Nichs ”
“ Dicko ”
“ Junior ”
@TNichs
@charlie_dixon23
swallow00
VICE CAPTAIN
22
Tom Nicholls
Charlie Dixon
23
Ruckman Height
DOB
WEIGHT
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
201 cm 04-03-1992 98 kg
2011
9
CAREER GOALS
2
David Swallow
24
Forward Height
DOB
WEIGHT
200 cm 23-09-1990 105 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
35
Midfielder
CAREER GOALS
Height
DOB
WEIGHT
29
186 cm
19-11-1992
86 kg
2013
2013
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
51
22
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
8
2
1
30
19
74
13
19
7
93
42
73
18
3
2
195
47
152
“Tom had a breakout year in the ruck, and despite coming off knee surgery, will be looking to improve on his impressive 2013 campaign. With a ruck spot up for grabs, we’re looking for him to step up once again.”
CAREER GOALS
2013
“Although we’d like to keep Charlie forward more, we know he can pinch hit in the ruck because he is an ultra-competitor. Hampered by ankle complaints in 2013, Charlie will be looking to manage his body in 2014 to ensure he can play all 22 games.”
“Unlucky to sustain a few collision injuries last year, David will be looking to generate more of the ball through the midfield after a small stint in defence.”
Midfield Coach
Matthew Primus
Midfield Coach
Matthew Primus
Offensive Coach
Mark Riley
22 68
| Player Profiles | FIRE UP
23
24 Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Player Profiles
Danny Stanley
Matt Shaw
Clay Cameron
“ Bull ”
“ Tiger ”
“ Bubbles ”
dstanley25
shawry26
Matt Shaw
26
Danny Stanley
25
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
92 kg
2007
187 cm 18-02-1988
58
CAREER GOALS
31
claycameron
Clay Cameron
27
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
187 cm 05-02-1992
81 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
52
CAREER GOALS
20
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
190 cm 27-05-1994
84 kg
-
-
-
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
18
10
7
179
89
197
18
8
6
164
83
184
-
-
-
-
-
-
“Danny is a true workhorse, and was a well deserved winner of our inaugural Player’s Player Award at the GC SUNS Club Champion. He plays within his abilities and plays his role for the team.”
“On the back of another solid year in the AFL, the quiet-achiever will again be looking to provide great run and carry on the outside. The biggest thing for Matt now is to ensure he stays involved in the contest.”
Midfield Coach
Matthew Primus
CAREER GOALS
2013
2013
2013
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
“Didn’t get a chance at the top level last year through injury, but has been monitored by high performance staff through the pre-season, and will be in a better position to crack an opportunity at AFL level. He is certainly on track to play senior football.”
Midfield Coach
Matthew Primus
Defensive Coach
Dean Solomon
25 goldcoastfc.com.au
26
27 FIRE UP | Player Profiles |
69
The romance is back
Proud sponsor of the Gold Coast SUNS
Player Profiles
Kade Kolodjashnij
Tom Murphy
Jackson Allen
“ Collar ”
“ Murph ”
“ Jacko ”
Kolodjashnij
Height
DOB
29
Kade Kolodjashnij Defender
28
WEIGHT
190 cm 9-08-1995
jackoallen_
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
81 kg
-
-
CAREER GOALS
-
Tom Murphy
31
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
190 cm 19-03-1986
89 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2005
112
CAREER GOALS
5
Height
DOB
WEIGHT
179 cm 04-03-1993
79kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
4
2012
2013
2013
Jackson Allen Midfielder 0
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
-
-
-
-
-
-
17
0
0
158
77
82
3
0
0
21
12
3
“Kade is an outstanding 191cm versatile player, with huge underpinning athletic attributes. He can play as a rebounding defender, and in the midfield, and will be one to watch in 2014.”
List Manager
CAREER GOALS
2013
“Tom has come back in great shape, and sees the 2014 season as a real challenge and one he is up for. With a cast of emerging defenders beginning to step up to the plate, the club will be turning to Tom to continue to provide leadership and experience down back.”
Scott Clayton
“Although Jackson was in and out of the senior team in 2013, he’ll be looking to come back and play with more consistency. If he does that, he’ll give himself a real chance to play senior AFL football in 2014.”
Defensive Coach Defensive Coach
Dean Solomon
Dean Solomon
28 goldcoastfc.com.au
29
30 FIRE UP | Player Profiles |
71
Brandon Matera
Aaron Hall
Jack Hutchins
“ Fish ”
“ Azza ”
“ Hutchy ”
@bmatera32
Brandon Matera Forward
32
Height
DOB
WEIGHT
175 cm 11-03-1992
70 kg
@aaron_hall33
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
39
CAREER GOALS
33
33
Height
DOB
WEIGHT
186 cm 09-11-1990
81 kg
Aaron Hall Forward
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2012
jackhutch
30
CAREER GOALS
32
Height
DOB
WEIGHT
191 cm 20-02-1992
93 kg
2013
2013
Jack Hutchins Defender
34
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
16
3
2013
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
10
7
13
121
48
23
22
24
27
214
73
100
10
3
2
71
29
27
“Given his season-ending ankle surgery last year, Brandon is expected to come back and ready to regain the form that made him one of the most exciting players to watch.”
Offensive Coach
Mark Riley
CAREER GOALS
“Aaron enjoyed a tremendous season in the AFL last year, playing all 22 premiership matches. He is very durable and ranked as our leading forward line player for defensive pressure. In 2014, he will be looking to improve his kicking accuracy in attack and making sure he hits the scoreboard where it counts.”
“Jack is a powerful strong lad, and in his early AFL appearances in 2013 we saw he has plenty of potential in the tank. A powerful kick, we’re looking forward to seeing him build more confidence in 2014 and taking the game on more.”
Offensive Coach Offensive Coach
Mark Riley
Mark Riley
32 72
| Player Profiles | FIRE UP
33
34 Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Player Profiles
Michael Rischitelli
Greg Broughton
Jesse Lonergan
“ Rischa ”
“ Broughts ”
“ Lonners ”
rish35
@LonerganJesse
VICE CAPTAIN
Michael Rischitelli
35
Greg Broughton Defender
36
Midfielder Height
DOB
WEIGHT
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
83 kg
2004
184 cm 08-01-1986
157
CAREER GOALS
69
Height
DOB
WEIGHT
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
82 kg 2009
189 cm 29-09-1986
85
CAREER GOALS
17
Height
DOB
WEIGHT
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
183 cm
14-11-1994
89 kg
2013
2013
2013 gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
11
6
6
91
32
94
17
2
0
145
68
152
“Finally free of his hamstring tendonitis, Michael has been training the house down during the 2014 pre-season. He continues to provide exceptional leadership around our young midfielders, and if he stays injury-free, will give himself a great opportunity to get back to his best.”
“One of the elder statesman of the playing list, Greg knows it is going to be a real challenge for him with so many rising defenders coming through. The competition for spots should help the former Docker take his game to another level.”
Jesse Lonergan Midfielder
37
4
CAREER GOALS
0
2013 gms
g
b
k
m
hb
4
0
3
19
10
23
“Jesse will alternate between on-ball and forward this season, hamstring issues and a broken wrist kept the midfielder from making a strong impact in his debut year. He is beginning to learn the rigours of the AFL and will be better for it this season.”
Defensive Coach
Dean Solomon
Midfield Coach
Matthew Primus
Midfield Coach
Matthew Primus
35 goldcoastfc.com.au
36
37 FIRE UP | Player Profiles |
73
Hey Guys, For those kids aged 5-15 years who are unable to become a Gold Coast SUNS member in 2014, why not join Jaeger’s Juniors Fan Club where you can get a signed poster of me, join in a number of cool competitions, receive some footy tips and much more! To register to be a part of Jaeger’s Juniors Fan Club visit goldcoastfc.com.au/jaegersjuniors
xxxx GCS Jaeger's Juniors Advert.indd 1
23/01/14 4:22 PM
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MEMBERS CAN EXPERIENCE THE RENOWNED MATCH DAY ENTERTAINMENT AT THESE BLOCKBUSTER MATCHES AND MORE THIS SEASON
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM
ROUND 1
SAT 15 MARCH 6:40PM
ROUND 4 SAT 12 APRIL 7:40PM
ROUND 14 SAT 21 JUNE 4:40PM
ROUND 16 SAT 5 JULY 4:40PM
TICKETS START AT:
SOUTHPORT SHARKS RECEPTION
NERANG RSL OR AT TICKETMASTER.COM.AU/SUNS
$25 for an adult and $8 a junior for General Admission seating on Level 1 All Gold Coast SUNS event tickets include public transport to and from the event on scheduled Surfside bus and Queensland Rail train services (conditions apply).
Player Profiles
Jack Leslie
Louis Herbert
Sean Lemmens
“ Jacko ”
“ Herbie ”
“ Seany ”
jack_leslie22
louisherbert39
Jack Leslie
38
39
Louis Herbert
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
198 cm 27-04-1995
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
94 kg
-
-
CAREER GOALS
-
Sean Lemmens
40
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
188 cm 27-06-1994
77 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
-
2013
CAREER GOALS
-
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
182 cm 02-11-1994
66 kg
2013
2013
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
-
2011
-
2013
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
“Jack is a future tall defender, and when you find them you have to take them. We really like his attributes; he’s a grunt player, aggressive defender and is unbelievably quick.”
“Louis is an exciting talent around goals or in defence. He is a fantastic intercept mark, and very skilful above head. He has played in the U18 championships for the past two seasons, and will be very pleased to see him develop off our rookie list.”
“Sean is a really strong defender and is great in heavy traffic. He can defend his man well, and will no doubt add further depth to our defensive stocks.”
List Manager
Scott Clayton
List Manager
Scott Clayton
CAREER GOALS
List Manager
Scott Clayton
38 goldcoastfc.com.au
39
40 FIRE UP | Player Profiles |
75
Leigh Osborne
JarrEd Ellis
Nathan Bock
“ Ozzy”
“ Liz ”
“ Bocky ”
ozstriker41
bocko44
VICE CAPTAIN
Leigh Osborne
41
Jarred Ellis
43
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
182 cm 13-03-1990
81 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
1
2013
CAREER GOALS
0
44
Nathan Bock
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
189 cm 18-04-1995
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
80 kg
-
-
CAREER GOALS
-
Defender Height
DOB
WEIGHT
193 cm 20-03-1983
93 kg
2013
2013
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2004
140
63
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
1
0
0
4
3
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
2
1
7
5
4
“Leigh showed plenty of promise through the NEAFL last year, providing great run off halfback and into our attacking zones. He managed to earn a debut AFL appearance in 2013, and with continued development, will be striving to taste more senior matches in 2014.”
CAREER GOALS
2013
“Jarred has proven himself as a worthwhile player to be put on our rookie list. He has worked very hard and in his NEAFL appearances has shown some very exciting signs. Jarred will be looking for consistency after undergoing a shoulder operation mid-season, but he is a very worthwhile addition to our rookie list.”
“No doubt after that serious leg injury, Bocky will be happy to run out pain-free this season. He is a huge asset to the side, whether forward or back, and provides us great leadership in the change rooms.”
Defensive Coach
Dean Solomon
Defensive Coach
Dean Solomon
List Manager
Scott Clayton
41 76
| Player Profiles | FIRE UP
43
44 Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
Player Profiles
Josh Hall
Seb Tape
“ Hally ”
“ Sticky ”
j_hall46
46
Josh Hall
48
Forward Height
DOB
WEIGHT
197 cm 03-04-1990 87 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2012
5
CAREER GOALS
3
Seb Tape Defender
Height
DOB
WEIGHT
191 cm 06-08-1992 87 kg
DEBUT CAREER GAMES
2011
30
CAREER GOALS
1
2013
2013 gms
g
b
k
m
hb
gms
g
b
k
m
hb
3
1
1
14
10
11
7
1
0
28
27
39
“With a solid pre-season under his belt, Josh will be looking to make a real impact this season. Still developing through the Club’s NEAFL program, Josh has shown glimpses of his special talents and will be looking to build on that this year.”
“Seb is once again running well and edging to a stage where his fitness is up to AFL standard. While the focus for him now is to continue working on parts of his game, the future is shining bright for the South Australian.”
Defensive Coach Offensive Coach
Dean Solomon
Mark Riley
46 goldcoastfc.com.au
48 FIRE UP | Player Profiles |
77
Jack Bowes
Meet academy star Jack Bowes At 16 years of age, Jack Bowes is already drawing comparisons to fellow North Queenslander and Gold Coast SUNS spearhead Charlie Dixon. At 16 years of age, Jack Bowes is already drawing comparisons to fellow North Queenslander and Gold Coast SUNS spearhead Charlie Dixon. A future AFL draft prospect with great awareness and football nous, Bowes has been a shining light for the Gold Coast SUNS Academy, earning U15 All Australian Schoolboys selection last year. One of the hottest young talents in the country, Bowes is well on his way to following in the footsteps of fellow North Queensland products Dixon, Zac Smith, Jarrod Harbrow and rookie-forward Josh Hall to the AFL. But unlike the now-listed Gold Coast SUNS players, Bowes has the luxury of fast-tracking his football development through the GC SUNS Talent Academy, the club’s junior development program that offers Queenslanders a pathway to senior football. “Being part of the GC SUNS Academy Program has been a fantastic experience,” Bowes said.
goldcoastfc.com.au
“We have a headquarters based up north, and train on a weekly basis and that really helps us improve our skills and leadership so we can be better all-round athletes.” Charged with the responsibility of developing the Academy’s talent list is Program anager Jason Torney, who Bowes says has been a significant mentor for the Cairns Saint’s junior since he first began as a member of the AFL’s Future Stars program. “Jason has been fantastic for my development,” Bowes said. “He really knows what he is saying, like all the other coaches, which makes it easy to learn from.” Torney, a 13-year AFL veteran with Richmond and Adelaide Crows believes Bowes has the ability to progress through the Academy. “He is a really consistent player, good athlete and has really shown his worth through the Academy,” Torney said. “He still has a few years to develop and we’re looking forward to continue watching him develop through the North Queensland Academy and carnivals, which also provide him with a great experience in his development.” While Bowe’s immediate focus is concentrating on Year 11 at St. Augustine’s College, the future AFL draft prospect has his sights set on hopefully pulling on a GC SUNS Guernsey. “With the GC SUNS Academy, they help you out so much and really help you get to that AFL level,” he said. “Hopefully if I keep going, and keep showing strong improvement, I will put myself in the best possible position to reach that ultimate goal of playing in the AFL.”
FIRE UP | Jack Bowes |
79
Karmichael Hunt
Dogs pair up with GC SUNS for Cairns Encounter The Gold Coast SUNS will return to Cairns for a fourth consecutive season in 2014, with the Western Bulldogs replacing its annual Darwin fixture for a Round 17 home game against the Gold Coast at Cazalys Stadium. Since entering the AFL in 2011, the GC SUNS have played for premiership points against Richmond in the tropical hot spot, building a passionate supporter base in Cairns, the home for Australian Rules in Far North Queensland. In just three seasons, Cairns has already cemented itself as a special place in the hearts of GC SUNS members around the country with the team notching their third and final victory against the Tigers in 2011, followed by Karmichael Hunt’s memorable after the siren effort to secure the club’s first win for 2012.
80
| Cairns Encounter | FIRE UP
Winning two of their three matches so far at Cazalys Stadium, the Dogs will be weary of travelling to the GC SUNS northern home. Regardless, Western Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick, said the Victorian-based AFL team were looking forward to continuing the AFL’s association with North Queensland. “While we will continue to work towards bringing all home fixtures back to Victoria, we are really pleased to be playing a home game in Cairns, and to be part of the AFL’s continued growth in North Queensland in 2014,” Garlick said. “On balance, we have determined that it was in the Club’s interests to host an interstate match in 2014, and we look forward to playing in front of new and old Bulldog fans alike.” AFL General Manager Broadcasting, Scheduling and Major Projects - Simon Lethlean, welcomed the Western Bulldogs decision to relocate their Top End fixture to it’s tropical counterpart. “The AFL is committed to growing our game across all parts of Australia and a match in Northern Queensland is extremely important for the long-term development of the code and taking matches to fans who cannot access traditional capital city areas. “The Western Bulldogs showed tremendous late-season form in 2013 and their meeting with the Gold Coast SUNS – a young team also on the rise – will be a keen test of the development of both clubs as they build towards competing for finals positions,” he said.
Gold Coast Suns Annual Members Magazine
FIRE UP | GOLDCOASTFC.COM.AU