Latest news with #GoldCoastSuns
ABC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
'Disheartened' AFL star Jy Farrar calls for completion of Halls Creek oval repairs
AFL player Jy Farrar has come out in support of the Halls Creek community and says it is "ridiculous" that the local football oval is unusable. Farrar's comments adds to mounting pressure on the Shire of Halls Creek over its incomplete football oval upgrade. The prolonged closure of the oval, once dubbed the region's "footy factory," has sparked concern from the Gold Coast Suns AFL player who got his start training on the Kimberley oval. After months of delays to planned works, the grounds have been left unsafe and unusable for two years. Farrar grew up in Halls Creek and said there was "no way" he would have made it to the AFL without the oval or the community surrounding it. "Halls Creek, being a footy factory, we can't even do that at the moment." The oval has launched the careers of more than 10 AFL and AFLW players over the past decade. Farrar said it hurt knowing the oval had been abandoned for so long. "It's ridiculous. With the amount of players from Halls Creek lucky enough to get on a list it's disheartening, it's a shame," he said. "We want a safe area where people can come and enjoy football, and hopefully bring joy back to the town that's been missing for the last two years." Beyond sport, the oval has also been a hub of activity and a connection point for people. "Youth crime is rising. I just think because there is no footy, kids are looking at other high adrenaline stuff to do." The delays are "unconscionable" according to former WA premier and member of the previously named North Province, Peter Dowding. "[The state government] tipped half a million [dollars] into the Halls Creek council's coffers and they've not completed the job, and that's a great shame," he said. The WA government committed $595,758 to the project in 2023, as well as an additional $285,000 through the Club Night Lights Program. Mr Dowding said young people in remote areas needed activities to participate in. "If you take away those opportunities you end up increasing levels of lawlessness," he said. "I'm not saying that's applying to everybody, but it's part of the problem when young people have got nothing to do." Mr Dowding said roll-on turf could be a "viable alternative" if the grass could not be grown. "Look at Optus oval, every week there's a roll-on turf being put down there to make sure the surface is adequate," he said. WA sport minister Rita Saffioti said she had instructed the department to work with the local shire to ensure upgrades to the oval could be delivered as soon as "practically possible". "I have been made aware of the delayed progress which I understand is due to previous contractor disputes, under the work commissioned by the shire," she said. "It's disappointing as the works were key in improving the grounds to the benefit of the broader community, which is why the WA government made a contribution." Shire of Halls Creek CEO Sue Leonard said in a statement she understood the concerns raised by the minister regarding delays. "We share the minister's disappointment. Unfortunately, earlier contractor disputes did impact timelines," she said. "We have since taken decisive steps to address these issues and move the project forward. "We welcome the minister's commitment to working collaboratively with the shire, and we remain focused on delivering the upgrades as soon as practically possible for the benefit of the Halls Creek community."
The Australian
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Australian
AFL: Suns seeking QClash redemption after heavy loss to Crows
Sick of hearing 'how crap' they are, the Gold Coast Suns have the perfect chance to 'change the narrative' by beating premiers Brisbane in Saturday's QClash. While the Suns have won 11 of their 17 matches to remain on track to play finals football for the first time in the club's history, an embarrassing 61-point loss to Adelaide last Sunday has raised doubts about their ability to finish the season in the top eight. Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick believes the ideal way to respond is with a win over the second-placed Lions this weekend at People First Stadium. Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick wants the Suns to lift against Brisbane. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images 'We're still in the race for something that we have never achieved, so we're really looking forward to that challenge,' Hardwick said on Thursday. 'As a coaching group and as a playing group, we've got a big step this week. We've got to take care of this step, then we'll sit there and take the next one this week. 'There's no greater test than the mob we're playing this week. The way they play the game is a great style of footy – combative, high pressure, high contest. 'What's really improved over the last six weeks is their handball game. Those Ashcroft boys (Will and Levi), (Jaspa) Fletcher and all those sorts of players have certainly helped with that, Lachie Neale's always been a star at it. The challenge is firmly set for our midfielders to respond. 'We get to test how far we've come in six days. The great thing about the very best sides is you know exactly how they play. 'Stopping them is the next part of the equation and we're looking forward to that challenge.' Despite having only taken charge of the Suns last year, Hardwick is well aware of how the Gold Coast has been portrayed since joining the AFL competition in 2011. Suns star Matt Rowell (front) is tackled by Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale during the Lions' QClash win in May. Picture:'Everyone, for a long period of time, has told us how crap we are, (that) we're no good, (that we) don't deserve to be here,' the former Richmond three-time premiership-winning coach said. 'You know what? We're about changing that narrative. It's not the same old Suns, it's the brand new Suns.' Hardwick said the top-eight was now 'probably 90 per cent a race in nine', with the ninth-placed Western Bulldogs trailing the Suns – who have played one game less – by four points. 'We've got a game in hand which is the challenging thing with the ladder and the swings and roundabouts that we have … (but) we've just got to keep ticking off as many wins as we can to make sure that we aim for that first finals campaign,' he said. Hardwick also addressed speculation that Carlton forward Charlie Curnow wanted to join the Suns next season, 'We can understand that people hopefully want to come here and want to join in on this journey. We're looking to bring the very best players to our footy club,' he said. Marco Monteverde Sports reporter Marco Monteverde is a Brisbane-based sports reporter for NCA Newswire. He worked in a similar role for The Courier-Mail from 2007 to 2020. During a journalism career of more than 25 years, he has also worked for The Queensland Times, The Sunshine Coast Daily, The Fraser Coast Chronicle and The North West Star. He has covered three FIFA World Cups and the 2000 Sydney Olympics, as well as a host of other major sporting events in Australia and around the world. @marcothejourno Marco Monteverde
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Gold Coast Suns intent on showing they are no longer ‘crap' in Saturday's battle with Brisbane
Sick of hearing 'how crap' they are, the Gold Coast Suns have the perfect chance to 'change the narrative' by beating premiers Brisbane in Saturday's QClash. While the Suns have won 11 of their 17 matches to remain on track to play finals football for the first time in the club's history, an embarrassing 61-point loss to Adelaide last Sunday has raised doubts about their ability to finish the season in the top eight. Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick believes the ideal way to respond is with a win over the second-placed Lions this weekend at People First Stadium. 'We're still in the race for something that we have never achieved, so we're really looking forward to that challenge,' Hardwick said on Thursday. 'As a coaching group and as a playing group, we've got a big step this week. We've got to take care of this step, then we'll sit there and take the next one this week. 'There's no greater test than the mob we're playing this week. The way they play the game is a great style of footy – combative, high pressure, high contest. 'What's really improved over the last six weeks is their handball game. Those Ashcroft boys (Will and Levi), (Jaspa) Fletcher and all those sorts of players have certainly helped with that, Lachie Neale's always been a star at it. The challenge is firmly set for our midfielders to respond. 'We get to test how far we've come in six days. The great thing about the very best sides is you know exactly how they play. 'Stopping them is the next part of the equation and we're looking forward to that challenge.' Despite having only taken charge of the Suns last year, Hardwick is well aware of how the Gold Coast has been portrayed since joining the AFL competition in 2011. 'Everyone, for a long period of time, has told us how crap we are, (that) we're no good, (that we) don't deserve to be here,' the former Richmond three-time premiership-winning coach said. 'You know what? We're about changing that narrative. It's not the same old Suns, it's the brand new Suns.' Hardwick said the top-eight was now 'probably 90 per cent a race in nine', with the ninth-placed Western Bulldogs trailing the Suns – who have played one game less – by four points. 'We've got a game in hand which is the challenging thing with the ladder and the swings and roundabouts that we have … (but) we've just got to keep ticking off as many wins as we can to make sure that we aim for that first finals campaign,' he said. Hardwick also addressed speculation that Carlton forward Charlie Curnow wanted to join the Suns next season, 'We can understand that people hopefully want to come here and want to join in on this journey. We're looking to bring the very best players to our footy club,' he said.
Daily Mail
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Eddie McGuire opens up for the first time about why he tried to BUY an AFL team - 'could be a powerhouse'
AFL identity Eddie McGuire has sensationally revealed he tried to buy the Gold Coast Suns. In a development that will stun many footy fans, the former Collingwood president dropped the bombshell on Nine's Eddie and Jimmy podcast with Geelong great Jimmy Bartel. McGuire dropped the bombshell that he considered launching a takeover of the Suns while he was discussing a footy academy in the Northern Territory. He felt the academy in the Top End should be sending players to the North Melbourne Kangaroos, whose slow rebuild continues. 'Eddie Everywhere' was adamant the Suns - who have never played finals footy dating back to their entry into the league in 2011 - already have a competitive roster. 'I actually did approach the AFL to see if I could buy them (Gold Coast)....we had a conversation,' he told a stunned Bartel. 'There wasn't a sit down but we did kick it around, there was others involved in it, some big names in football and business and the like. '(In saying that) Collingwood's my heart, I'm not going to do anything against the Pies. 'But just looking at it and going through it and how you could set it up, the Gold Coast could be a powerhouse. 'If there was a team outside of Collingwood I could buy, I'd buy them.' Meanwhile, the Channel Nine identity has also proposed an AFL fixture revamp he believes would boost attendances, increase TV ratings and potentially secure future media rights deals. McGuire's radical proposal would break the AFL draw into three parts – a home-and-away season across 17 rounds, a qualifying system followed by a final eight showdown to the Grand Final. He would also introduce a couple of 'Exotic Rounds' that would first see all 10 Victorian teams play each other in round one. Elsewhere, Queensland teams would line up against the NSW teams and South Australian teams would tackle the Western Australian teams. A second Exotic Round could be played in South Australia when the state hosts Gather Round, which is locked in until at least 2026.
Daily Telegraph
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
Carlton star Charlie Curnow's bombshell Gold Coast trade request
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Carlton superstar Charlie Curnow has expressed his desire to leave Ikon Park and play for the Gold Coast, it has been revealed. As first reported by Nine's Tom Morris on Tuesday evening, the dual Coleman Medallist is keen on relocating from his club of a decade, citing lifestyle reasons and a desire to leave the at-times unforgiving Melbourne 'football bubble.' FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. 'Charlie Curnow would like to play for the Gold Coast Suns. This is based around lifestyle, living in Melbourne and the football bubble — getting out of the spotlight here in Melbourne,' Morris began on 9News. 'Crucially, Carlton knows this. They've told him in the last couple of weeks that he's not for sale. Graham Wright also met with his management when the possibility of a move north was floated. It was made clear that Curnow is a required player, and contracted until 2029. 'His agitations have also peaked the interest of at least two other Victorian clubs, who are keeping tabs on his availability — no matter how unlikely a trade appears at this point.' Curnow returned to form with three goals in the Blues' eight-point win over Melbourne last Saturday night at the MCG, after going four consecutive weeks without a major. Charlie Curnow has expressed an interest in playing for Gold Coast. (Photo by) The 28-year-old signed a six-year contract extension with Carlton in August of 2022, with only Adam Cerra (2030), Harry McKay (2030) and Jacob Weitering (2031) signed on longer deal at the club than him. Gold Coast are currently fielding a forward line with three tall forwards in Ben King, Ethan Read and Jed Walter — the latter two each members of the club's Academy program in their second year as an AFL-listed player. King, who was drafted in 2018, reportedly has clubs attempting to lure him back to his home state of Victoria at the end of next season; namely Collingwood. 'They (Gold Coast) haven't chased Curnow, but they're aware of his interest in them,' Morris added. 'Curnow's not unhappy; I've got to make that very clear. Nor is he kicking the door down like (Christian) Petracca at Melbourne last year. But he's clearly been pondering what life in Queensland would look like.' Morris also noted on X that Carlton officials have told their superstar key forward more than once that he won't be traded this off-season. Reacting to the shock reports around Curnow's desire to move elsewhere, Fox Footy reporter Jon Ralph flagged the sheer difficulty of any hypothetical trade. 'We've told you a couple of times before that Charlie Curnow is grumpy. Now (there were) reports from Nine today that Carlton have had to tell him that they're not trading him to a club like the Gold Coast, that he's looking around,' Ralph told Midweek Tackle. 'There are various reasons that he's grumpy. He's got four years left on a deal. I can't see that would work at the Gold Coast: 'Alright, we'll trade you to the Gold Coast for a generational player. We'll have Matt Rowell? No. We'll have Noah Anderson? OK, no. We'll have Ben King'. 'It's easy to say one generational player will move. It's so rare to get two players of almost equal stature to swap clubs, especially when the Gold Coast is flying right now.' Two of Curnow's long-term teammates in Sam Walsh (far left) and Harry McKay (far right) have also both had speculation around their future at Carlton. (Photos from Getty Images) Midweek Tackle panellist Corbin Middlemas added: 'I spoke to people close to this today and essentially their feeling is at least one of them (Curnow, McKay or Walsh) won't be there next year.' 'We know Graham Wright doesn't have a lot of flexibility in the way things look at the moment. That would obviously give him some. The other thing I can tell you tonight is there have been at least half a dozen players meet with Graham Wright in recent weeks basically to search a direction for the club, which is hardly surprising given the comments from the president a couple of weeks ago that we're going to wait until the end of the season to re-assess what it looks like. 'So, a number of senior players have effectively tried to get ahead of things, go and chat to Graham Wright themselves and work out exactly what it looks like moving forward.' North of 15 players are still out of contract heading into the end of this year's home-and-away season, as much-loved Carlton veteran Sam Docherty announced his retirement from the game after this Thursday's clash with Hawthorn at the MCG> Originally published as 'So rare': Tough trade truth behind bombshell Curnow report as contender considers play
