Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick hasn't shied away from attempting to lure rival players to the sunny state, saying the club is quickly turning into a "destination place".
The Suns have put together their equal-best start to a season since their inception in 2011, notching up three consecutive wins to kick-off the AFL campaign.
Hardwick, who is well aware of what it takes to reach the pinnacles of AFL football, is attempting to turn Carrara into a must-have environment, which coincidentally has already worked for two running half backs, noting the backdrop and surroundings as a competitive advantage.
"I live in the Gold Coast," Hardwick quipped.
"Gotta be happy. Everyday. Brilliant sunshine. Great bunch of people. We're in a great environment.
"We want to create an environment where, regardless of win, lose or draw, you come in and it should look the same. That's my job to make that happen.
"We want to make it a vibrant, attractive destination place for people to come and play their best footy and we're very privileged to have two players (Daniel Rioli and John Noble) to nominate us last year to come.
"And we're on the lookout again this year. If anyone wants to have a look at the sunrise, or an environment that is fun and a pleasure to be a part of, give us a call. We'll take it."
A key ingredient of that is ensuring player retention, and there's none more important than Matt Rowell.
The Victorian is currently weighing up his future and appears intent on staying put, but despite purchasing a home in Melbourne, Hardwick and the Suns remain confident.
The three-time premiership was also puzzled by the commentary surrounding Mac Andrew's antics with Adelaide forward Riley Thilthorpe.
Andrew engaged in a heated exchange with Thilthorpe in the closing moments of the nail-biting clash, which boiled over beyond the final siren.
The Suns coach said the exchange was made out bigger than what it was, but felt it was a "great part of the game", noting former rivalries in his time as a player.
"I've got no issues with getting into a forward, but I thought he lacked class both in that moment and after the game where he took it too far."
Matthew Lloyd wasn't impressed with Mac Andrew's fiery exchange with Riley Thilthorpe.#9AFLSFS โ Watch on Nine & 9Now ๐ฅ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/go9J6B346f
โ Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 6, 2025
"It's a bit of a mountain out of a molehill for mine," Hardwick said.
"Our players, our fans, our coaches love this kid. What we love is the combative nature of our lad.
"We sit there and look at the way he plays the game and that's who he is. We love his tenacity at the contest and his love for the jumper.
"He wants to be a proud Gold Coast Suns player.
"I think a lot of the media need to sit back, take a deep breath and actually look at the whole thing.
"These two are going to be playing on each other for the next 10 years. We love a rivalry.
"I grew up with (Glen) Jakovich and (Wayne) Carey. I'm looking forward to Thilthorpe and Mac Andrew going toe-to-toe in Round 19.
"I thought it was a great part of the game, it's an important part of the game."
Gold Coast will look to continue their winning ways when they take on North Melbourne at Barossa Park on Saturday as the competition descends unto Adelaide for Gather Round.
