Academy hopeful on coach

THE Gold Coast Suns are confident they will have a new Cairns-based academy coach locked into the role in the coming weeks.

The Cairns’ Gold Coast Suns Academy coach position has been vacant in recent months after previous coach, Cameron Campbell, stepped down to focus on his new role with Clontarf.

The Suns employ four academy coaches in North Queensland with their role vital to the next generation of footballers.

Gold Coast Suns academy manager Jason Torney is optimistic a new coach will be secured soon.

“There are a couple of people we have spoken with and if that falls through, we could advertise it in the region,” Torney said.

“Cam looked after the preseason period before he finished up but academy takes a back seat through the winter for representative and club football usually.

“It gives the kids the chance to progress at club level and maybe into senior football.

“We have a little bit of time to find a replacement.

“But we want to lock someone in soon.

“I am keen to get someone in place by the middle of April.”

Meanwhile, Torney said Far North pair Damien Burke and Timakoi Bowie should push for NEAFL selection for much of the season with the Suns.

The pair missed out for today’s clash against the GWS Giants while fellow Far North product Jarrod Harbrow will return from injury in the game.