Gold Coast SUNS Chairman Tony Cochrane is set to resign from his position on the board after the Round 1 Toyota AFL Premiership fixture against Sydney on March 18th. This marks the end of Cochrane’s nine-year journey with the club, seven of which were spent as chairman.
Cochrane took over as chairman in 2016 after John Witheriff, the inaugural chair, stepped down. During his time as chairman, Cochrane has been instrumental in growing the game in Queensland and has helped the club reach new heights. Under his leadership, the club’s membership has reached record levels, participation in the sport in the state has continued to grow year after year, and the club has deepened its footprint in the community.
Cochrane’s tenure as chairman has seen a reset of the AFL football program and has put the club in a stable position from which it can aspire to achieve greater success. He has also helped establish an AFLW program, providing female football players in the fast-growing state with more pathways to the elite level.
Gold Coast SUNS CEO Mark Evans praised Cochrane for the significant impact he and his family have had on the game in Queensland. He acknowledged Cochrane’s passion for the club and his commitment to his role, which has included countless volunteer hours and the successful funding of the Austworld Centre.
AFL Commission Chair Richard Goyder also thanked Cochrane for his contributions to the club and the wider game. He praised Cochrane’s energy and drive for football in Queensland and the critical role the club has played in growing the participation numbers in the state.
Cochrane will be succeeded by Bob East, a life member and inaugural board member, who has been appointed Chairman-Elect. East will be ratified as the third Chairman of the Gold Coast SUNS Football Club at the next board meeting.
Tony Cochrane’s time as Chairman of the Gold Coast SUNS will be remembered as a time of growth and development for the club and the sport in Queensland. His legacy will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the game.
