Coast’s big changes
THE Suns have confirmed Marcus Ashcroft’s departure and announced a host of changes to the Gold Coast coaching department.
Ashcroft was the inaugural football manager but has failed to survive the football department review that also claimed coach Rodney Eade.
Dean Solomon has been elevated to senior assistant, George Stone appointed coaching adviser and Shaun Hart will replace Matthew Lappin as head of development.
Suns chief executive Mark Evans revealed he had been discussing Ashcroft’s role in the later stages of the season.
“Marcus and I have been discussing this decision for some time and to his credit he has continued to put the club first,” Evans said.
“He provided me great support as the club identified Stuart Dew as our new coach. He will continue to guide the football department through the current trade period and will assist in the transition to handover to a new general manager of football in the near future.
“His legacy to the Suns, Lions and the AFL speaks for itself and I have great confidence that Marcus will not be lost to the industry.”
Evans said the search for Ashcroft’s replacement would begin immediately.
Stone already shares a close relationship with new senior coach Dew who worked alongside the Suns mentor at the Sydney Swans.
Stone has more than 30 years of VFL/AFL experience having worked with three clubs, Hawthorn, Sydney and Melbourne, and has been involved in six premierships – 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1991 with the Hawks and 2005 and 2012 with the Swans.
Hart was a triple premiership player at the Brisbane Lions and was originally a Gold Coast assistant coach in 2008 before spending the past four seasons at Port Adelaide.
“The club is thrilled to welcome the experience and expertise of George Stone and Shaun Hart,” Evans said.
“George is a successful coach and he and Stuart have a great relationship. He will play an important role supporting Stuart and our coaches.”
Assistant coaches Ashley Prescott, Andy Lovell and Matthew Primus have had their contracts extended.