Are the Gold Coast Suns the Real Deal in 2025?

The Gold Coast Suns have long been seen as a developing AFL club, but in 2025, they’re turning heads for all the right reasons. With Damien Hardwick at the helm and a star-studded list firing on all cylinders, many fans and experts are now asking: Are the Gold Coast Suns the real deal in 2025?

🔥 Best Start in Club History

The Suns are off to their best-ever start, sitting 4th on the ladder with a 6–2 record, 24 premiership points, and a commanding percentage of 135.7. This surge in performance has ignited excitement among supporters and raised serious expectations for a deep finals run.

📊 Key Stats Behind Their Success

A closer look at the Suns' AFL 2025 stats reveals just how much they’ve improved:

• Clearances: Up from 13th in 2024 to 4th in 2025

• Scores from Clearances: Jumped from 9th to 3rd

• Contested Possessions: Rose from 10th to 2nd

• Forward-Half Intercepts: From 7th to 1st—leading the competition

• Scores per Inside-50: Leapt from 17th to 5th

These numbers show a team dominating midfield battles, capitalizing on turnovers, and efficiently converting inside-50s.

🧠 Damien Hardwick's Game-Changing Impact

The appointment of three-time premiership coach Damien Hardwick has been transformative. Under his leadership, the Suns have developed a winning mindset and a resilient playing style. Their ability to maintain composure in close contests—like the thrilling win against the Western Bulldogs—speaks volumes about their growth.

Hardwick’s AFL coaching experience is clearly rubbing off on the squad, instilling structure, discipline, and belief.

🌟 Standout Players Fueling the Rise

Several key players have been instrumental in the Suns’ rise in 2025:

Touk Miller – 200-Game Legend

In his milestone match, Miller collected 30 disposals and was crucial in Gold Coast’s win over Hawthorn. His leadership and consistency are pivotal.

Noah Anderson – Captain Marvel

As captain, Anderson has embraced his role with authority. His midfield dominance and poise under pressure have lifted the entire side.

John Noble – Backline Boost

A smart acquisition, Noble has strengthened the Suns' defense, providing calm ball use and intercept marking ability.

⚠️ What Needs Improvement?

Despite their red-hot form, the Suns are still learning to match up against the league's elite. A 17-point loss to the Brisbane Lions highlighted two key areas needing attention:

• Efficiency inside forward 50

• Tackling pressure in tight contests

If they can clean up these elements, Gold Coast could cement themselves as a genuine premiership threat.

🌞 Final Verdict: Are the Suns for Real?

Yes. The Gold Coast Suns are absolutely the real deal in 2025.

With a powerful mix of elite talent, smart coaching, and game-day grit, they are finally fulfilling their long-awaited promise. While there's still work to be done, the signs are all there: this is a team built for September.