Episode 7

Gold Coast Suns: A golden opportunity after Kangaroos' turnaround

Published on: 13th August, 2024

It’s easy to forget that Gold Coast’s formation pretty much happened by accident, but that is what took place when North Melbourne decided to stay in Victoria instead of moving to Queensland. From there, building a standalone team on the Gold Coast was too good an opportunity to pass up.

In this seventh episode of AFL Team Builders, inaugural chairman, John Witheriff, first official employee, Andrew Thomas, and two inaugural squad members - Nathan Bock and Charlie Dixon - detail the challenges Gold Coast faced in its formative years, including woeful facilities, a skeptical local community, a difficult relationship with the AFL, and even the threat of snakes at the club.

Thanks to BackChat for some of the audio used in this episode.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode
Show artwork for AFL Team Builders

About the Podcast

AFL Team Builders
A journey into the historic foundations on which every expansion club was built.
Ever wondered how footy teams came to life? AFL Team Builders is a journey into the historic foundations on which every non-Victorian club was built.

Featuring inaugural CEOs, presidents, coaches, board members and star players, AFL Team Builders goes behind the scenes with the people tasked with building all the teams that joined the then-VFL as it expanded beyond the confines of Victoria.