Why AFL assistance package is make or break for Suns: Club boss

The buoyed Suns admit the club can’t afford to stuff up the AFL’s assistance package, insisting this is the circuit-breaker that will change history.

BUOYED Suns chairman Tony Cochrane admits the club can’t afford to stuff up the AFL’s assistance package, insisting this is the circuit-breaker that will change history.

Wooden spooners Gold Coast yesterday received a draft bounty from the league including the lofty pick 2 at this month’s national draft.

After eight seasons of modest results the latest handouts promise to again reset the odometer for the Suns and give renewed hope to fans.

FIVE REASONS THIS WILL BOOST SUNS

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the Gold Coast Suns to establish our football credentials,” Cochrane said of a “two-year journey”.

“We have done a superb job of rebuilding the club and the culture.

“We just couldn’t get that football piece kickstarted; this is a fair dinkum leg-up.

“The AFL can see at the grassroots level in 10 years’ time there will be a new wave of young people supporting this club.”

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When asked if this is make or break for the Suns, Cochrane said: “It has to be. There isn’t even a debate because when we put the piece together we all accepted we can’t ask for this and not deliver.”

Suns players this season. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The package also includes pick 20 this year, pick 11 next year and pick 20 in 2021 on top of existing selections.

They also have access to the Northern Territory talent as part of their academy and can pre-list those players without needing to match a rival bids.

The bonus of pick 2 to go with the pick 1 that came with their last-placed finish is likely to deliver Oakleigh pair Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson to the Suns.

“This year’s draft has some elite players and that’s an amazing opportunity for our club,” Cochrane said.

COCHRANE TAKES AIM AT CRITICS

“It’s a really important step up for the club. Whether it’s the biggest moment (in club history) only time will tell.

“We have had a lot of bark taken off us (fighting for this). But we are really starting to look like a good footy club.”

Predictably some AFL rivals are understood to be opposed to such a Suns assistance package.

“I think there are those who have got a fair and balanced view of how important it is to have a strong club here,” Cochrane said.

“We have been battling for a while and they will see that.

“There are a few shortsighted ones who can’t see past the end of their nose. I just say good luck to them.”

Suns list manager Craig Cameron will now sit down with coach Stuart Dew to assess whether any of the handouts should be placed on the trade table.

“I thought they (the AFL) were incredibly generous,” Cochrane said.

“We hope to have a blend of both (keeping picks and trading).”

“Whether we shift the needle (in terms of 2020 expectations) only time will tell.”