Steven King

Suns interim coach Steven King makes intentions clear as Richmond continue search

“I couldn’t manage at the moment having my eyes on this and trying to manage another opportunity.”

Published by
Ryan Saxelby

Gold Coast Suns interim coach Steven King isn't considering for the Richmond coaching vacancy after Damien Hardwick sealed his position as Gold Coast coach earlier this week.

King took the role of coach after the sacking of Stuart Dew and has led the Suns in seven games so far, with the Queensland side playing some inspirational footy while falling short of finals after losing the last three games in a row.

Whilst King does dream to be a senior coach at some stage in his career, he has revealed he is currently committed to the Suns and that it would be wrong for him to think about opportunities elsewhere during his caretaker stint.

"I haven't given too much thought to that," King told media on Wednesday, via AFL.com.au. 

"I think it'd be disrespectful while I'm in this role and doing this job.

"My full focus has been on doing the best possible job I could. I couldn't manage at the moment having my eyes on this and trying to manage another opportunity.

"I'm really committed here."

Learning he would be working under a three-time premiership coach, King has become excited for how he can change his coaching style and perhaps use newfound skills under Hardwick to potentially move on to be a senior coach elsewhere.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: Gold Coast Suns interim coach Steven King speaks to players during the round 20 AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions at Heritage Bank Stadium, on July 29, 2023, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"As an assistant for a long time, you sit back and always think: I wonder if I could do that? At least now I know I can," King said.

"That gives me great comfort and confidence going forward.

"I'm really excited about getting my hands dirty with the midfield group and having the opportunity to work with a three-time premiership coach.

"Richmond changed the game the way it was played in terms of that manic, fast, relentless pressure.

"From a system point of view, it's always exciting to hear how someone with experience sees the game a little differently. I'm all ears and open to that."

Hardwick signed a six-year deal to be the head coach on the Gold Coast whilst Richmond is yet to confirm his replacement as Andrew McQualter still remains interim coach.

Published by
Ryan Saxelby