Hardwick appointed Gold Coast AFL coach on six-year deal

The Gold Coast Suns have confirmed Damien Hardwick as their next AFL coach, with the former Richmond boss penning a six-year deal ending in 2029.

He will take over from Suns interim coach Steven King, who stepped into the breach following Stuart Dew’s sacking in July.

Speculation of a move to the Gold Coast had been rife ever since Hardwick quit the Tigers in May, leaving the club after more than 13 years and three premiership wins.

Suns chairman Bob East confirmed in a club statement that Hardwick was the obvious choice to take the team forward.

“When we began the process to determine our senior coach, it was quickly apparent Damien was the best candidate available, with premiership experience and the proven elite coaching skillset required for the job,” he said.

“We have high expectations for our club and firmly believe Damien can deliver on these to elevate the Gold Coast Suns to achieve premiership success.”

Hardwick will commence his role at the conclusion of the home-and-away season, which wraps up next weekend.

On track to finish in the bottom five this year, the Suns have not tasted finals football since joining the AFL in 2011.

Their best campaign so far was last year, when Dew steered the team to 12th place with a 10-12-0 record and a percentage of 103.

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