Gold Coast Suns slammed for ‘insane’ Damien Hardwick quitting act
The Gold Coast Suns’ attempt to poke fun at their head coach’s “departure” has not gone down well with many footy fans.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Gold Coast Suns’ latest sponsorship arrangement has not gone down well with some footy fans.
The AFL club announced a new partnership between head coach Damien Hardwick and a cruise ship agency.
FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every AFL match this Saturday LIVE. Catch all the action in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
In its press release and social media accounts, the Suns had a headline of “Dimma to depart in 2025”.
It’s certainly an eye-catching title and gave plenty – this reporter included – a brief shock as it seemed to declare the former Richmond coach’s brief time at the club was coming to an end this year.
The expansion club is yet to reach the finals in its 14 AFL seasons to date under coaches Guy McKenna, Rodney Eade, Stuart Dew and now Hardwick.
It is hoped that Hardwick, who led the Tigers to three premierships in his 14 years at Punt Road, could be the man to finally snap that streak.
So the “announcement” caught plenty off guard.
The statement went on to declare Hardwick “will be departing in 2025 to set sail” after the cruise line was named as the club’s official coaches partner for the year ahead.
In a video posted to social media, Hardwick is seen heading towards the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship with suitcase in hand before exploring the options the ship has to offer its guests.
The 52-year-old is handed a cocktail, checks out the on-board gym and lays down some cones apparently to conduct a training session.
The attempt at a cheeky, pun-filled announcement didn’t hit the mark with some footy fans.
The Back Pocket podcast retweeted the announcement on X with the caption: “What an insane thing to do to your own fans.”
One fan replied to the Suns’ post with the comment: “Talk about a heart attack.”
Another wrote: “You little s**ts.”
A third referenced Harwick’s decision to leave Richmond midway through the 2023 season, declaring: “Wouldn’t be the first time he packed it in early.”
Another wrote: “Lose to West Coast and he may as well board at the Freo docks. Lots of pressure on the Suns this year.”
Other fans were enjoying the play by the Suns.
“Unreal way to announce this,” one replied.
“Dimma would love this dad joke,” suggested another.
“Unreal clickbait,” offered a third.
“I think the big cruise ship in the photo gives it away,” stated another.
After Hardwick’s Suns finished 13th with an 11-12 record in his first season in 2024, two wins short of the top eight, the club will be hoping to finally break that finals drought this year.
Gold Coast opens its campaign against the Eagles in Perth on Sunday before facing Melbourne, Adelaide and North Melbourne after a second-round bye.
Originally published as Gold Coast Suns slammed for ‘insane’ Damien Hardwick quitting act
Footy world erupts at ‘extraordinary’ drama
There might be a new contender for the AFL’s most disliked player after he was caught up in several controversial calls on Friday.
Making of Mini: The country kid’s journey to Eagles top job
Andrew McQualter hasn’t forgotten his Traralgon roots. Ahead of his West Coast coaching debut on Sunday, Eliza Reilly looks back at the footballing career of ‘Mini’.