AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has thrown his support behind the fledgling Gold Coast Suns, saying the club will be a success.
The Suns are under the spotlight after their 108-point loss to Greater Western Sydney on the weekend, but McLachlan has called for calm surrounding their situation.
SUNS DON'T NEED HELP SAYS EX-COACH
“This is the nature of our industry, it’s suddenly a crisis after they’ve had two terrible losses,” he told SEN’s Whateley.
“They’re also a couple games clear of Carlton and game and a half clear of St Kilda, and have been on the road for 10 weeks.
“I’d love to have a Melbourne club and the outrage (if) they hadn’t played at home.
“Gold Coast have only played in the state twice, one was at the Gabba and once was at Cairns. The rest have been on the road, including China.
“There needs to be a bit of context about that.
“They’ve had one game at home and they had 17,000 people there.
“They’re going through a bad patch, but the broader calls about crisis and this whole thing…they’re a footy club going through a tough period.”
When asked if he thinks Gold Coast will be a success, McLachlan said, “of course…100 percent.”
The AFL CEO also believes out of contract forward Tom Lynch’s decision won’t define the Suns.
“He is a player and a very good player but someone will have to get value for him,” McLachlan.
“I don’t think one player determines the future of any football club.”
Listen to Gillon McLachlan's chat with Gerard Whateley on SEN's Whateley in the player below