Gold Coast youngster Flanders locked away despite rival interest

Gold Coast has secured the services of gun young midfielder Sam Flanders for another four years, after the 22-year-old spurned interest from other AFL clubs.

The Suns are on a high after signing Damien Hardwick, Richmond’s triple premiership coach, as their senior mentor for 2024 and beyond, following Stewart Dew’s sacking in the middle of this season.

Flanders’ commitment came at the Suns’ best and fairest on Sunday, ending months of speculation, after he returned to their line-up and starred over the final 10 weeks of the home and away season under interim coach Stephen King.

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Flanders, 22, spoke about his decision to wait before committing to the team, highlighting the significance of a face-to-face meeting with Hardwick.

“It was obviously a massive part,” he said.

“When you’ve got someone with his resume coming – obviously I was waiting for him to get back from his Europe trip. The first meeting with him was pretty good for me.”

The young star’s career trajectory seemed uncertain just three months ago. However, his performance during the final 10 rounds of the regular season, where he averaged an impressive 29 disposals and five clearances, changed the narrative. Despite a promising start in the pre-season, a knee injury momentarily hindered his progress.

Discussing his initial hesitations about staying with the Gold Coast due to challenges securing a regular senior spot, Flanders admitted he was close to looking elsewhere.

“Yeah, early on. A bloke out of contract playing in the VFL, there’s always that uncertainty.” he said. However, a resurgence in the latter part of the season cemented his confidence in his capabilities.

After securing the Suns’ Emerging Player award for 2023, Flanders vividly recalled his pivotal meeting with Hardwick and how he did not require much convincing/

“We just had coffee. Well, I had a coffee actually, he (Hardwick) had a beer – he was still in holiday mode, which I loved,” he said.

“A coach like that doesn’t really have to pitch much,” he said, “For me this is the place I wanted to be… I think we’re going to have a lot of success in the next couple of years and that’s something I want to be a part of.”

Gold Coast Suns General Manager of Player Talent and Strategy Craig Cameron said the club was pleased to retain a player of Flanders’ calibre.

“Sam had a terrific pre-season which set the foundation for his impressive last half of 2023 after an injury-interrupted start,” he said.

“He has shown what he is capable of at AFL level this year so we are thrilled to have Sam commit with us for another four years.”

The Gold Coast also crowned Noah Anderson as their best and fairest on Sunday, after the midfielder produced a very consistent season. His partner in crime, Matt Rowell also earned some silverware, being named the Players’ Player.

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