Damien Hardwick compares Gold Coast Suns to music icon Avicii

What do the Gold Coast Suns and music icon Avicii have in common? According to Damien Hardwick, quite a lot. Details inside.

Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has drawn inspiration from the unlikely source of Swedish music phenomenon Avicii as his side prepares to embark on the 2025 season.

Speaking to Suns members, staff and special guests at the club’s season launch at the Star Gold Coast, Hardwick drew comparisons between his side and the late DJ Avicii.

He likened the Suns’ adversity to Avicii prior to the music phenomenon’s big break, when he released ‘Levels’ – the 2011 hit single which went platinum in 15 countries.

“There were people who told him his style wasn’t going to work, that his music wasn’t going to resonate and that this genre was something people would care less about,” Hardwick said.

“But he didn’t stop, he didn’t listen to those voices, he believed in his own vision and his own potential and then he dropped Levels.

Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick. Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

“That song became an anthem, it wasn’t just a hit, it changed everything.

“That song, that moment, was proof that the doubters were wrong.

“But it didn’t just change his career, it changed an entire genre of music.

“It opened doors for countless others were felt like they also didn’t belong.

“Why do I bring up Avicii’s story? Because we’ve got to respond with our own version of Levels, it’s now time.”

Hardwick hopes his Levels inspiration can take Gold Coast to the next level by breaking its final drought and changing the club’s perception as a whole to the rest of the competition.

“We’re not just trying to survive anymore, we are here to absolutely thrive,” he said.

“We’re here to set a new standard, we’re here to show everyone that the doubters were wrong.

“Now as we enter this season, it’s not about putting together a team that’s ready to compete, it’s about putting together a team that’s ready to rewrite this story.

“This is about more than just winning on the field, this is about proving to ourselves and the rest of the industry that we can compete along the sides that are the very best.

“Just like Avicii brought something remarkable to the world, we’re here to bring something remarkable to this competition.”

The Suns will kickstart their 2025 campaign with an Opening Round clash at home against the Essendon Bombers on Saturday, March 8.

Originally published as Damien Hardwick compares Gold Coast Suns to music icon Avicii