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How will the Gold Coast Suns play in 2024?

Gun midfielder Matt Rowell gives insight into how the Suns will look in the upcoming season.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Ahead of the 2024 AFL season, a lot of eyes that have veered toward the Gold Coast Suns, all despite their sorry track record.

First off, there is the club's inability to make finals since their introduction to the competition in 2011.

Then there is their struggle to retain star talent whilst botching player management lists resulting in relieving high-end draft picks.

But what's the most intriguing of them all heading into 2024 is how quickly former Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick will make an impact.

Following his sudden departure from Punt Road in the middle of 2023, Hardwick was quickly touted as the next Suns coach.

In a matter of months, that became a reality as the decorated coach made the move up north.

Renowned for the chaotic, manic and pressure game style he implemented at the Tigers, one which delivered three flags between 2017 and 2020, questions are asked about how the Suns will play in 2024.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Damien Hardwick, Senior Coach of the Tigers and Trent Cotchin of the Tigers hold up the premiership cup during the 2017 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 30, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Former No.1 pick and midfielder Matt Rowell provided some insight into how 'Dimma' has overhauled the Suns' system that has failed to deliver a finals appearance.

Speaking on RSN with host Daniel Harford, Rowell dove into what fans and the opposition should expect from the Gold Coast.

"I think you'll see a good team with a good system that wants to play a bit faster especially from the back half and from turnover," Rowell said.

"Dimma's got a certain system that he wants us to play especially in regards to our offence and ball movements, so getting a lot of reps in over the pre-season.

"We've always been a pretty fit team and running is one of our main strengths so I think it suits the group that we have.

"Something that Dimma's been big on. We are excited for the season."

In addition to the big landing of Hardwick over the summer at the Suns, spearhead forward Ben King has also put pen to paper, staying on with the club until 2026.

With rival clubs bound to try and lure King once he hits free agency, Rowell believes it gives the group "great confidence".

"I always thought Ben was going to sign on."

Ironically, Gold Coast and Hardwick will face off against the Tigers in their Opening Round clash on Saturday afternoon.

Published by
Aidan Cellini