Taking the reins: Damien Hardwick to entertain call from Suns after Dew’s sacking

In a surprising turn of events, Damien Hardwick, the recently departed coach of the Richmond Tigers, is reportedly open to the possibility of coaching the Gold Coast Suns. Hardwick, a triple-premiership coach, is said to have shown interest in the vacant coaching position at the Suns after Stuart Dew was let go by the club. While Hardwick has expressed his desire to return to coaching in the AFL, it remains unclear when he wishes to resume his coaching career. Nonetheless, it is evident that he is considering the opportunity to coach the Suns, given his previous positive experiences living on the Gold Coast during the AFL‘s relocation due to COVID-19 in 2020.

The Gold Coast Suns are currently without a premiership-winning coach at the helm, with their only previous coach with experience being Rodney Eade, who coached the team from 2015 to 2017. With the club’s decision to part ways with Stuart Dew, they now have the opportunity to secure a highly-experienced coach like Damien Hardwick. Hardwick’s success with the Richmond Tigers makes him a sought-after candidate for many coaching roles, and it appears that the Suns are keen to explore the possibility of appointing him as their new coach.

While Hardwick is considered a frontrunner for the position, there are other coaches who have been linked to the Suns. Ken Hinkley, the current coach of Port Adelaide, and Chris Scott, the coach of Geelong Cats, have also been mentioned as potential candidates. However, it is worth noting that Hinkley is likely to re-sign with Port Adelaide, while Scott is contracted to the Cats for the next season. With these circumstances in mind, Hardwick’s candidacy becomes more favorable, given his availability and successful track record as a coach.

The board of the Gold Coast Suns made the decision to terminate Stuart Dew’s tenure as coach after determining that the team did not see the desired improvement in the 2023 season. The club’s chairman, Bob East, stated that while Dew had made a significant contribution to the club, a change was necessary in their pursuit of success. Dew had been the coach of the Suns since 2018 but was unable to guide the team to finals during his five completed seasons. Despite his contract extension until 2024 last season, the team’s lackluster performance this year, including a string of losses and a failure to make finals, ultimately led to his dismissal.

The decision to change coaches raises important questions about leadership and success in the AFL. While Stuart Dew dedicated countless hours to establishing a foundation for the Gold Coast Suns, his inability to lead the team to sustained success ultimately led to his departure. This raises the philosophical question of what defines success in the AFL and how it relates to coaching. Is it solely based on on-field performance, such as making the finals and winning premierships, or should other factors, such as player development and building a strong team culture, be taken into account?

On the one hand, the Gold Coast Suns’ decision to pursue Damien Hardwick as a potential coach shows their ambition to bring in a proven winner who can guide the team to success on the field. Hardwick’s track record at Richmond, where he led the team to three premierships, speaks volumes about his coaching abilities. If the Suns are able to secure his services, it would be a significant coup for the club and could bring about a new era of success.

On the other hand, it is important to consider the potential consequences of appointing a new coach. While Hardwick’s success is undeniable, there is always a degree of uncertainty when it comes to coaching changes. It is crucial for the Suns to carefully evaluate their options and ensure that they select a coach who aligns with their long-term vision and can successfully develop and nurture the team’s young talent.

In conclusion, the Gold Coast Suns’ decision to explore the possibility of appointing Damien Hardwick as their new coach shows their commitment to achieving success. However, it is crucial for the club to conduct a thorough evaluation of all potential candidates and consider factors beyond on-field performance. Leadership, player development, and team culture should also be key considerations in their decision-making process. Only by taking a holistic approach can the Suns position themselves for sustainable success in the future.