WHO are the most influential people in Gold Coast sport? The Bulletin has scoured all the sports to come up with a Power 50, ranking the personalities who impact the Coast’s sporting landscape.
THE time has come. After scouring far and wide to come up with a Power 50, the Bulletin today reveals the 10 most influential people in Gold Coast sport.
Who will take out top spot?
For the full list, check out today’s paper or follow the links below.
10. ADAM SCOTT
Gold Coast raised golfer’s professional career is approaching 20 years, for many of which he has been a top-level force. Scott reinvigorated golf’s presence Down Under by becoming the first Australian to win the Masters in 2013 and he rose to the No.1 ranking the following year.
9. SHANNON ECKSTEIN
Ironman champion has led the way in the surf lifesaving sphere for years to establish an irresistible case to be regarded as the greatest the sport has seen. Is passing his extensive wisdom onto the next generation in his role as director of high performance at Northcliffe.
8. MARK EVANS
Gold Coast Suns chief executive is pushing hard to turn around the club’s fortunes. The former AFL football operations general manager started in the Suns role early last year and has since overseen a successful submission for an AFLW licence as well as an overhaul of their men’s football program.
7. STEPH GILMORE
The Tweed Coast product is the face of international women’s surfing as a six-time world champion. Enjoying another stellar season to sit atop the World Surf League rankings, putting her in the box seat to equal compatriot Layne Beachley’s record for most titles.
6. MICK FANNING
Just pips Gilmore to the No.6 spot. Three-time World Surf League champion retired in February but that has done little to lessen his influence: When he talks, people listen. Will forever be synonymous with fighting off a shark at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa.
5. GRAHAM ANNESLEY
Former politician and referee has been the backbone of the Gold Coast Titans administration through thick and thin as chief executive. A respected figure who has helped the club to better days – particularly off the paddock.
4. DARRYL KELLY
‘The White Knight’ has time and time again been the saviour for NRL on the Gold Coast. Despite losing millions during his first ownership stint, the ever-passionate Kelly again holds the Titans’ future in his hands after tipping in more money to return to being an owner.
3. KATIE PAGE AND GERRY HARVEY
The power couple behind Harvey Norman have a massive role to play in Gold Coast sport as owners of mega racing event Magic Millions. They are also a major advocate for women in sport, including as supporters of Gold Coast-based Supercars driver Simona De Silvestro.
2. REBECCA FRIZELLE
A leading business figure, Frizelle established her status in the city’s sporting world during her stint as Titans chair – becoming the first woman to hold such a position at an NRL club in doing so.
Now a co-owner of the club, she continues to fight for the Gold Coast and its team.
1. TONY COCHRANE
The outspoken Suns chairman has a huge network through his decades in sports management, first with Supercars and now in Aussie rules.
An AFL enthusiast, Cochrane is encouraged by the sport’s general progress in Queensland and is determined to ensure that is reflected on the Gold Coast both in elite results and its standing among the community.
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