Suns AFLW: We look back at the club’s history as they make AFLW finals history

Gold Coast AFL sides have enjoyed little joy when it comes to playing finals but a twist of fate has finally worked in their favour as they get their chance in the AFLW.

IT was the tackle that single-handedly put out any remaining glimmer of a maiden Suns’ finals berth.

Just four years into their AFL existence, 2014 saw the Suns emerge as a genuine ­finals contender.

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What started as a campaign to relocate the flailing Kangaroos ended with a shiny new expansion club that promised to undo all the sporting woes of the city’s past.

At Round 10, the Suns had won a club-record five straight games and sat third on the ladder, allowing locals to forgive and forget three years of scarcity.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Gary Ablett of the Suns kicks the ball during the round 12 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Sydney Swans at Metricon Stadium on June 8, 2014 on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Then in Round 17, Collingwood stopper Brent Macaffer trapped captain Gary Ablett in a fierce tackle.

The result? The Brownlow Medal contender needed surgery for a dislocated shoulder.

The Suns won just one more match for the year and ultimately inaugural coach Guy McKenna was sacked.

Incoming coach Rodney Eade could only muster 16 wins from the next three seasons as injuries, player exits and culture took their toll.

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The “Skase Curse” – a reported 30-year infliction borne out of Christopher Skase’s failed lighting payments at Carrara Stadium in 1989 – wrapped its fingers around another Coast sporting entity and squeezed.

Foundation Gold Coast club member Charlotte Hammans, now a Suns AFLW player, said her loyalty was never about the results.

The 19-year-old and her whole family all have their names emblazoned on the “Hall of Fame” at Metricon Stadium and haven’t missed a home game in 10 years … except when contests have clashed with her footy commitments.

The Suns AFLW side have made history and become the first team from the club to qualify for finals. Suns AFLW foundation player Charlotte Hammans. Picture: Jerad Williams

“When we first signed up, for us it wasn’t really about what they’d do,” she said.

“We just wanted to support the Gold Coast.

“We were never supporting them for success because they were only a new club so it was about the footy.

“It wasn’t hard to keep supporting them (in dry years) as they have so much involvement in the community.”

Hammans isn’t far off.

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You’d be hard-pressed not to spot a red and yellow polo shirt at your footy club during the year. “I remember asking for autographs every time the Suns came out to my local training,” Hammans said.

“I was always the kid asking for autographs and now people are asking me.”

Along with her 29 listed Suns AFLW teammates, Hammans represents a new era in Gold Coast sport.

Not only have the AFLW side become the first team from the club in finals, but they are playing a distinct, exciting and respected style.

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The wheel slowly began to turn with the arrival of men’s coach Stuart Dew but has been sent into overdrive with the success of the women.

“It means so much to the club and everyone behind the scenes,” head of women’s football Fiona McLarty said.

“To have a team playing well and producing finals … hopefully that flows through to the men as well.”