CRAIG Cameron has been appointed 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 restructuring comes as the Suns aim to strengthen their football department following the departure of Wayne Campbell, who returned to New South Wales to lead the Sydney Swans’ academy.
Cameron, who had been serving in an interim capacity during the trade period, now officially steps into the GM role. His position aligns with similar roles held by Sam Power at the Western Bulldogs, Jason McCartney at Greater Western Sydney, and Andrew Mackie at Geelong. Unlike other non-Victorian list bosses, Cameron has been residing on the Gold Coast, working from the Suns’ Carrara headquarters for several years.
Craig Cameron’s Journey to the Suns
Cameron’s journey with the Gold Coast Suns began at the end of 2017 when he replaced Scott Clayton. Prior to joining the Suns, Cameron was with Greater Western Sydney, where he spent 18 months. His extensive experience includes five years as Richmond’s head of football, coinciding with Damien Hardwick’s early tenure 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 also lead the football department, focusing on football operations and accompanying the team throughout the season. His leadership is expected to bring stability and strategic direction to the Suns as they aim for competitive success.
Kall Burns: A Journey from Volunteer to List Manager
Kall Burns’ promotion to list manager marks a significant milestone in his career at the Gold Coast Suns. Starting as a volunteer before the club’s inaugural season in 2011, Burns moved from Melbourne to join the expansion club. He progressed through various roles, from sports science to GPS analyst, before entering the recruitment department.
His rise within the organization continued when he was promoted to national recruiting manager in early 2018, following Dom Ambrogio’s departure 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, rather than bringing in external candidates, highlights their commitment to building a strong internal culture. While they explored the possibility of recruiting Danny Daly from Brisbane, Daly chose to remain with the Lions, opting not to reunite with Hardwick at the Suns.
According to sources within the club, the promotions of Cameron and Burns are seen as pivotal moves to solidify the Suns’ competitive edge. The club’s leadership believes that these changes will foster a more cohesive and effective football department, ultimately translating to on-field success.
As the Suns prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on leveraging the expertise and continuity provided by Cameron and Burns. Their deep understanding of the club’s culture and strategic vision positions the Suns well for future growth and achievement.
The restructuring of the football department is part of a broader strategy to ensure the Suns remain competitive in the evolving landscape of Australian Rules Football. With seasoned leaders at the helm, the club is poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
