Suns rise on a new era Clean slate at Coast as last foundation figure shown door
GOLD Coast chief executive Mark Evans has completed his clean- out at the Suns with the last foundation senior football figure, Scott Clayton, to depart after this month’s draft.
The Suns were caught out yesterday when GWS cut ties with list manager Craig Cameron after learning of his intention to join Gold Coast.
The Giants’ move prompted headlines about a cold war between the expansion clubs but in reality it only created another minor embarrassment for the Suns over the bungled handling of the departure of a long- serving staff member.
Clayton was long odds to retain his position after coach Rodney Eade and football manager Marcus Ashcroft were both sacked.
But the Suns had hoped the news would hold until after the draft when an announcement could be made presenting it as a mutual decision.
Gold Coast have yet appoint a replacement to for Ashcroft and have hinted at a restructure where Cameron might fulfil some of the football manager’s duties.
Clayton is the only senior figure still at the club from their inaugural season in 2011.
It is understood he knew he would not be at the club next year before the Giants’ announcement yesterday.
GWS have demanded Cameron play no part in the upcoming draft but it appears to be a shot across Gold Coast’s bows, with the club already confirming Clayton was staying month.
The Giants have pick 11 as their first selection in this year’s draft, while the Suns have pick 19.
Sources within GWS claim their outrage stems from the fact that any Suns appointments must be approved by the AFL, which means that headquarters had sanctioned a poaching raid.
However, Suns insiders said the initial approach was made by Cameron.
Gold Coast are surprised at until the end of the the GWS reaction given the Giants had made a play for Suns assistant coach Dean Solomon this year.
Cameron only arrived at the Giants in May last year. He worked with Suns boss Evans at Melbourne before going to Richmond.
Meanwhile, Pearce Hanley will undergo scans today on a suspected broken hand that may require surgery.
Hanley suffered the injury while playing for Ireland in the International Rules in Adelaide on Sunday.