Gold Coast Suns set to roar like Brisbane of old

BRISBANE announced their arrival as a rising AFL force in 1995. The Gold Coast could be making the same transition.

Suns set to roar like Bears

BRISBANE announced their arrival as a rising AFL force in 1995.

The Gold Coast could be making the same transition from whipping boys to potential powerhouse this year.

Marcus Ashcroft was part of the Bears side that won six of their last eight games to qualify for the 1995 finals.

They went on to play finals in eight of the next nine seasons and won three flags.

As Suns' football manager, Ashcroft is overseeing the Gold Coast's rise, which has been gaining momentum through the middle part of the season.

Ashcroft said there were similarities between the Suns' talented young group and the 1995 Bears who went on to become household names.

He would like there to be one key difference.

"It was another six years (after 1995) before we won our first premiership at Brisbane. We'd like to win our first here a bit quicker," Ashcroft said.

"We don't think there will be one light bulb moment for this group. Everyone is working as hard as they can and we are confident we are learning and getting better along the way."

Ashcroft played in the defining game of 1995 when the Bears fought back from 45 points down at three-quarter time against Hawthorn to win by seven points.

Michael Voss, Chris Scott and Jason Akermanis also played that day while Nigel Lappin and Justin Leppitsch were at the club.

The Gold Coast's fightback from being 31 points down to North Melbourne early in the second quarter last Saturday night could prove to be a similar turning point in the young club's history.

The Suns have made one forced change for tomorrow night's clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium, with Dan Gorringe replacing Charlie Dixon (ankle).

The Bombers have lost veteran defender Dustin Fletcher to a groin injury.