In a significant reshuffle within the Gold Coast Suns’ football department, Craig Cameron has been appointed as the General Manager of Football, while Kall Burns, the club’s longest-serving staff member, is set to be promoted to list manager by 2026. This strategic move comes as the Suns aim to strengthen their leadership and operations following the departure of Wayne Campbell, who returned to New South Wales to join the Sydney Swans’ academy.
Cameron, who stepped up in an interim capacity during the trade period, has now been officially installed as GM, a role that aligns with similar positions held by Sam Power at the Western Bulldogs, Jason McCartney at Greater Western Sydney, and Andrew Mackie at Geelong. Unlike his counterparts in other non-Victorian clubs, Cameron has been residing on the Gold Coast, working from the Suns’ headquarters in Carrara.
Craig Cameron’s Journey to the Suns
Cameron’s journey to the Gold Coast Suns began at the end of 2017 when he replaced Scott Clayton, having been recruited from Greater Western Sydney after an 18-month tenure. His career in football administration is extensive, with previous roles including five years as Richmond’s head of football during Damien Hardwick’s early years at Punt Road, and 11 years as Melbourne’s recruiting manager.
In his new role, Cameron will continue to be involved in list management but will primarily focus on leading the football department, overseeing football operations, and accompanying the team throughout the season. His experience and leadership are expected to bring stability and strategic direction to the Suns.
Kall Burns: A Testament to Dedication
Kall Burns’ promotion to list manager marks a significant milestone in his career, which began as a volunteer with the Suns before their inaugural season in 2011. Moving from Melbourne to join the expansion club, Burns has steadily climbed the ranks, transitioning from sports science to GPS analyst and eventually into the recruitment department.
Following Cameron’s arrival at the Suns, Burns was promoted to national recruiting manager in early 2018, succeeding Dom Ambrogio, who moved to Brisbane. Despite interest from other clubs over the years, Burns has remained loyal to the Suns, and his upcoming 16th season will be his first as list boss.
Strategic Moves and Future Prospects
The Suns’ decision to promote from within reflects a broader strategy of building continuity and leveraging internal talent. While the club considered bringing in Danny Daly from Brisbane, the highly regarded GM chose to remain with the Lions, opting not to reunite with Hardwick at the Suns.
According to industry experts, the promotions of Cameron and Burns are seen as a positive step towards solidifying the Suns’ competitive edge. Their combined experience and deep understanding of the club’s culture are expected to drive future successes both on and off the field.
“The Suns are positioning themselves for long-term success by investing in proven leaders who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the Gold Coast market,” said a leading AFL analyst.
As the Suns continue to evolve, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and building a team capable of challenging the league’s best. The leadership changes are a testament to the club’s commitment to fostering a strong, cohesive unit that can deliver results.
Looking ahead, the Suns’ fans and stakeholders will be keenly watching how these changes influence the team’s performance and strategic direction in the coming seasons.
