Craig Cameron has been appointed as the Gold Coast Suns’ General Manager of Football, while Kall Burns, the longest-serving staff member at the club, is set for promotion to list manager by 2026. The restructuring comes as part of the Suns’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their football department following Wayne Campbell’s departure to New South Wales for a role with the Sydney Swans’ academy.
Cameron, who took on an interim role during the trade period, now steps into a permanent position similar to those held by Sam Power at the Western Bulldogs, Jason McCartney at Greater Western Sydney, and Andrew Mackie at Geelong. Unlike other non-Victorian list managers, Cameron has been based on the Gold Coast, working directly from the Suns’ headquarters in Carrara.
Background and Experience
Arriving at the Gold Coast Suns at the end of 2017, Cameron replaced Scott Clayton after being recruited from Greater Western Sydney, where he spent 18 months. Prior to his work with these expansion teams, Cameron was Richmond’s head of football for five years, coinciding with Damien Hardwick’s early tenure at Punt Road. His career began with an 11-year stint as Melbourne’s recruiting manager, providing him with a wealth of experience in football operations.
In his new role, Cameron will continue to be involved in list management while also leading the football department, focusing on operations and accompanying the team throughout the season.
Kall Burns: A Journey from Volunteer to List Manager
Kall Burns’ journey with the Suns began as a volunteer before the club’s inaugural season in 2011. Moving from Melbourne to join the expansion team, Burns transitioned from sports science to GPS analyst roles before settling into the recruitment department. His dedication and skill saw him promoted to national recruiting manager in early 2018, following Dom Ambrogio’s move to Brisbane.
“Clubs have come for Burns across recent years, but his 16th season at Gold Coast will be his first as list boss.”
Despite interest from other clubs, Burns has remained committed to the Suns, with his promotion marking a significant milestone in his career. The club explored the possibility of bringing in Danny Daly from Brisbane, but Daly opted to stay with the Lions, reinforcing Burns’ position as the preferred candidate for list manager.
Implications and Future Prospects
The appointments of Cameron and Burns are pivotal as the Suns aim to enhance their competitiveness in the AFL. With Cameron’s extensive experience and Burns’ deep-rooted understanding of the club’s culture and operations, the Suns are poised to make strategic advancements in the coming seasons.
These changes reflect the club’s commitment to stability and growth, ensuring that the football department is well-equipped to handle the challenges of the league. As the Suns look forward to the 2026 season and beyond, the leadership of Cameron and Burns is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future success.
The restructuring of the football department is not just about filling roles but about building a robust framework that supports the team’s long-term objectives. As Cameron and Burns settle into their new positions, the Suns’ fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these changes translate into on-field performance.
“The move represents a strategic shift for the Suns, focusing on internal growth and stability.”
As the AFL landscape continues to evolve, the Gold Coast Suns’ proactive approach in restructuring their football department could serve as a model for other clubs seeking to balance immediate performance with sustainable development.
