Craig Cameron has been appointed as the Gold Coast Suns’ General Manager of Football, while Kall Burns, the club’s longest-serving staff member, is set to be promoted to List Manager ahead of the 2026 season. This strategic shift in leadership comes as the Suns continue to restructure their football department following Wayne Campbell’s departure to New South Wales, where he will oversee the Sydney Swans’ academy.
Cameron, who stepped into an interim role during the trade period, has now been officially installed as GM. His role is comparable to that of 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 residing on the Gold Coast, working directly from the Suns’ headquarters in Carrara.
Background and Experience
Cameron’s journey with the Gold Coast Suns began at the end of 2017 when he replaced Scott Clayton after being recruited from Greater Western Sydney. His tenure at the Giants lasted 18 months, following a significant period at Richmond as the head of football, where he worked alongside Damien Hardwick. Before his time at Richmond, Cameron spent 11 years as Melbourne’s recruiting manager, building a strong foundation in football operations and talent acquisition.
In his new role, Cameron will continue to be involved in list management but will primarily focus on leading the football department, overseeing operations, and traveling with the team throughout the season.
Kall Burns: From Volunteer to List Manager
Kall Burns’ journey with the Suns is a testament to dedication and growth within the organization. Starting as a volunteer before the club’s inaugural season in 2011, Burns relocated from Melbourne to join the expansion team. Over the years, he transitioned from sports science roles to GPS analysis and eventually into the recruitment department.
Burns’ career trajectory took a significant turn in 2018 when he was promoted to national recruiting manager shortly after Cameron’s arrival. Despite interest from other clubs, Burns has remained loyal to the Suns, and his upcoming promotion to List Manager marks his 16th season with the club.
“Clubs have come for Burns across recent years, but his 16th season at Gold Coast will be his first as list boss.”
Strategic Implications and Future Prospects
The appointment of Cameron and the promotion of Burns reflect the Suns’ commitment to strengthening their leadership and operational strategies. The club’s decision to explore a move for Danny Daly, the highly regarded Brisbane GM, underscores their ambition to bolster their management team. However, Daly opted to remain with the Lions, choosing not to reunite with Hardwick at the Suns.
As Cameron and Burns assume their new roles, the Suns are poised for a period of strategic growth and development. The leadership changes are expected to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the team’s operations, with a focus on enhancing player development and competitive performance.
Looking forward, the Suns’ revamped leadership structure aims to build on the club’s existing foundation, driving success both on and off the field. With Cameron’s extensive experience and Burns’ deep-rooted commitment to the club, the Suns are well-positioned to navigate the challenges of the upcoming seasons.
The football community will be watching closely as these changes unfold, eager to see how the Gold Coast Suns leverage their new leadership to achieve their long-term goals.
