AFL’s northern child has struggled but now Gold Coast Suns look to the future

In a week where Tasmania’s true believers are celebrating their long-awaited acceptance by the AFL, an opportunity presents for the Gold Coast Suns to take a significant stand.

More than a decade of below-par performance has made the Suns a subject of derision, with critics often linking the Gold Coast’s struggles to the previous snubbing of Tasmania.

The refrain was as repetitive as it was insular: how dare the AFL ignore a traditional heartland while spending tens of millions on the Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney gamble. No flags for either club and the Suns are yet to play a final. Surely it’s time for the AFL to admit they got it wrong on the Gold Coast. Fold them up and boot them down to Tassie!

With Tasmania granted the 19th licence, that suggestion is now as redundant as it was fanciful. The next likely step for the AFL will be deciding who gets the 20th – not the relocation of an existing club.

But a Tasmanian team will not dampen the disparagement directed north until the Suns and Giants regularly succeed on the field and draw decent crowds.

The Gold Coast’s clash against second-placed Melbourne at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday shapes as a test of their hopes of playing finals for the first time.

The Suns have won two on the trot. Ben King, who stands as a beacon of hope, is back kicking goals after knee surgery and declared this week he is sticking with the Suns. They have lost 10 in succession to Melbourne but will square the win-loss ledger this season if they snap the streak. A win would keep them in the hunt for a top eight spot.

Just as rejuvenating the health of footy across Tasmania will be a task for the new licensee, broadening the Suns’ appeal and spreading the gospel of the AFL remains