What went wrong for the Suns this year and how 2027 can be much better

The Gold Coast Suns experienced a challenging year on the field, coming up short in their quest for a top-four finish and ultimately missing out on significant opportunities in 2026. Despite the struggles, Suns star Matt Rowell expressed his team's renewed determination, stating that they were hungry for a win and bringing the spirit back to the team. The win over GWS not only marked the end of their season but also provided a crucial victory for their Expansion Cup rivals, the Giants.

The Suns' coach, Damien Hardwick, acknowledged that the season didn't go as planned and that there were areas where his coaching approach could have been improved. Hardwick, known for his influence on the league, recognized that his teams often played a riskier, more defensive-first yet free-flowing style compared to others. However, Hardwick believes that every coaching experience provides an opportunity for growth and learning.

The transition from Hardwick's Tigers to the Suns proved to be a significant challenge. Instead of the solid defensive unit built from a counterattacking approach that defined the Tigers, the Suns initially relied on chaotic, contested stoppage games. This change in playstyle, combined with injuries to key players like Rowell and the addition of new talent such as Christian Petracca, led to a decline in clearance differential and stoppage scoring differential over the course of the season.

While the Suns' win in a difficult, physical game against GWS stood out as a positive highlight, it is clear that adjustments will need to be made in order for the team to improve in 2027. Understanding the specific areas where they fell short will be crucial in developing a plan for success in the upcoming season.