AFL 2023: Damien Hardwick has committed to coaching Gold Coast on a five-year deal

Damien Hardwick will be unveiled as Gold Coast’s new coach as early as next week after committing to the club. But what does it mean for those already there? Find out the full details.

Gold Coast will officially unveil Damien Hardwick as its coach as early as next week, with key Suns staffers Steven King and Wayne Campbell both set to stay on under the three-time premiership coach.

This masthead understands the Suns have secured Hardwick’s commitment that he will coach the club on a five-year deal.

The Suns will postpone that official announcement until Hardwick can appear in person, with the ex-Richmond senior coach returning from his European holiday next week.

They are keen for him to be present on the Gold Coast for the announcement, which will come either in the days before round 24 or in the week of the pre-finals bye.

Geelong premiership player, and former Bulldogs assistant, King is contracted and keen to stay with the Suns, having made a strong impression as interim coach.

He has senior ambitions to coach his own team at some stage but some time under Hardwick will only further his coaching resume.

King has been aware of the Hardwick developments during his five-match coaching stint, which ends with games against Carlton and North Melbourne.

Campbell will also remain at the club as its head of football, despite Brisbane football boss Danny Daly being linked to the club as a potential replacement.

Damien Hardwick will be unveiled as Gold Coast’s new coach. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Hardwick will sign a five-year contract that will leave the club financial space to retain its strong list of coaches and development staff, which include ex-Roos senior coach Rhyce Shaw as development boss.

While Hardwick will clearly have a significant say in the make-up of his football department, the Suns believe they are well-staffed and ready to take the next step as 2024 finalists.

There is cap space and flexibility to secure Richmond star Dustin Martin, but he has indicated he wants to remain at the Tigers and play his 300th game next year.

The Suns are keen to re-sign young midfielder Sam Flanders but will likely listen to offers for No.7 draft Elijah Hollands, who has played just nine senior games this year.

The Suns have not asked the AFL for any extra ambassadorial funds for Hardwick, who was paid a chunk of his remaining salary at the Tigers this year due to long service and holiday provisions.

The league’s view is that it will never subsidise clubs in their quest to play coaches given the tight football department cap.

But the league would not stop the Suns from acquiring some ambassadorial funds from AFL Queensland’s budget if Hardwick is keen to play a role marketing football in the state.

Interim Steven King is set to remain and work under Hardwick. Picture: Jason McCawley/AFL Photos

On Monday, AFL recruiters were still raving about the club’s trio of academy selections in the upcoming draft, including power forward Jed Walter.

Some clubs would have Walter as the first pick in the national draft, given his exceptional competitiveness and aggression as a key forward in a market where many clubs are chasing power forwards.

The Suns will also secure academy ruckman Ethan Read and 172cm midfielder Jake Rogers, likened to Dion Prestia and Touk Miller for his hard-running busy style.

Gold Coast will likely trade out its No.4 overall draft pick given it would be swallowed up with points needed for that trio, so it has a superb draft hand and has finally arrested its salary cap crisis.

It shapes as a list full of potential and talent for Hardwick, with the Suns confident Ben King will re-sign past 2024 over the summer, potentially on a two-year deal which would get him through to free agency.

Originally published as AFL 2023: Damien Hardwick has committed to coaching Gold Coast on a five-year deal