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 move is part of the Suns’ ongoing restructuring of their football department following Wayne Campbell’s departure to New South Wales.
The announcement comes as the Suns aim to solidify their leadership team after Campbell left to join the Sydney Swans’ academy, seeking a role closer to his family. Cameron, who had stepped up in an interim capacity during the trade period, now takes on a permanent position akin to those held by Sam Power at the Western Bulldogs, Jason McCartney at Greater Western Sydney, and Andrew Mackie at Geelong.
Craig Cameron’s Journey to the Top
Cameron’s journey to the Gold Coast Suns began at the end of 2017 when he replaced Scott Clayton after being recruited from Greater Western Sydney. Prior to his tenure with the Giants, Cameron spent five years as Richmond’s head of football, coinciding with Damien Hardwick’s early years at Punt Road. His career in football management began with an 11-year stint as Melbourne’s recruiting manager.
Unlike many of his counterparts in non-Victorian clubs, Cameron has been living on the Gold Coast, working from the Suns’ headquarters in Carrara. His appointment as General Manager of Football will see him continue to play a role in list management while leading the football department, focusing on operations and accompanying the team throughout the season.
Kall Burns: From Volunteer to List Manager
Kall Burns’ promotion to list manager marks a significant milestone in his career with the Suns. Starting as a volunteer ahead of the club’s inaugural season in 2011, Burns moved from Melbourne to join the expansion team. His career trajectory has seen him progress from sports science to GPS analyst, eventually joining the recruitment department.
In 2018, just weeks after Cameron’s arrival, Burns was promoted to national recruiting manager following Dom Ambrogio’s departure to Brisbane. Despite interest from other clubs over the years, Burns has remained loyal to the Suns. His upcoming 16th season with Gold Coast will be his first as list boss, a testament to his dedication and expertise.
Strategic Decisions and Future Implications
The Suns’ decision to promote from within reflects a commitment to stability and continuity. While the club explored a potential move for Danny Daly, the respected Brisbane GM opted to remain with the Lions, choosing not to reunite with Hardwick at the Suns.
According to sources close to the club, the promotions of Cameron and Burns are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Suns’ football operations. The leadership changes aim to bolster the team’s performance and foster a culture of growth and development.
“The move represents a strategic realignment for the Suns, focusing on long-term success and stability,” said a club insider.
As the Suns look forward to the upcoming seasons, the reshaped football department is poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With Cameron and Burns at the helm, the club hopes to build on its foundation and achieve new heights in the AFL landscape.
Meanwhile, the broader AFL community will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the Suns’ performance on and off the field. The successful integration of Cameron and Burns into their new roles could serve as a model for other clubs seeking to revitalize their football departments.
The Gold Coast Suns’ restructuring efforts underscore the club’s commitment to fostering talent from within and adapting to the evolving demands of the sport. As the new leadership team takes charge, the Suns are set to embark on a new chapter, driven by ambition and a renewed focus on excellence.
