Chairman of the Gold Coast Suns Board
Chairman of the Gold Coast Suns Board
Tony Cochrane is the event powerhouse consistently fighting for our beloved Gold Coast Suns from the boardroom to the media. As Chairman of the Gold Coast Suns Board since 2016, Tony continues to bring his wealth of experience in sporting events, concerts, live shows and theatre, one-off major events and whole touring spectaculars over the past 40 years. His colourful character and unrelenting support of the Gold Coast Suns has certainly earned him a well-deserved spot as a champion of the Gold Coast. Here, Tony has answered a few questions about the high and lows, what’s in store and how best to support our team, the Gold Coast Suns.
In what is going to be an unusual year for the entire AFL, what do you think is going to be the biggest challenge for the Gold Coast Suns?
Thank goodness the 2020 season is back but, yes, it will throw up some major challenges, as it is across the board for all sectors. The biggest challenge is not being able to have our wonderful members, corporate partners and fans watching the games live at Metricon Stadium. With no crowds, obviously this creates financial issues but it also removes so much of what is fun about footy. We will miss having people at the games and hope this can change soon.
How can Gold Coasters support the Gold Coast Suns without attending the games at the moment?
We know times are tough – very tough – but we really need our fantastic members and corporate partners to stick with us this season and beyond if they can. We would also love to see those fans that can afford to sign up as a member, to please do so (check out the options here). It’s just so important that we stick tight as a club and get through this together, Clubs are the people, we need each other.
How are the Suns leveraging off the AFL Hub with supporters from interstate?
The Suns lobbied to get those interstate clubs to be based on the Gold Coast because we wanted to help get the 2020 season underway and we knew how good it would be economically for the city and as a tourism promotion. We see this as being a massive opportunity to promote our beautiful part of the world to the rest of the country with seven games being played at Metricon Stadium in four weeks. I am sure the visiting players will love it here too and will help showing us off as a tourist destination to the rest of the country.
Do you think the Gold Coast Suns games create opportunity for tourism to the Gold Coast?
Absolutely. It would cost a fortune to buy the positive media and online coverage that the Gold Coast will receive by hosting four visiting interstate teams and playing seven games in four weeks at Metricon Stadium. It’s a great thing for the Gold Coast. When the announcement was made, it was in the southern States, either the first or second major news bulletin that night with great shots of the resorts and our beaches etc.
What do you think needs to change to get more Gold Coasters on board with the Suns?
Two things need to happen to keep growing our fan base.
One, we need to keep building our relationship with this fantastic city through our extensive community work. I think people now know how much the Suns love the Gold Coast and that we are here to stay.
Two, we need to win more games and have success because Gold Coasters love a winner.
In a predominantly NRL state, do you feel like the Gold Coast Suns have won over Gold Coasters in switching codes?
Yes, without a doubt .. but there is more to be done. The growth in AFL participation in Queensland has been enormous – up 50% in the past five years. Queensland now has the second most women playing of any state or territory and the schools programs are growing fast. The Suns fielded a team in the AFLW this year for the first time and we made finals – I believe having an AFLW team will inspire more interest and growth in our code. The AFL’s investment is working and that investment is here for the long haul.
You’re now into your 5th year at the Gold Coast Suns as Chairman, what have been some of the highs and lows for you at the Club to date?
It has been an enormous challenge to build the Club and I love a challenge! The massive infrastructure we have created working in partnership with all levels of Government at Metricon Stadium is terrific for our great indigenous game. That has absolutely been a highlight. I hate losing – so that is clearly the opposite end of the scale!
In your opinion, what do you think is the single most important thing the Gold Coast Suns has done well since it’s inception?
We have done literally thousands of hours of community work – our players and staff spent more than 6,000 hours in our community in 2019 alone. Community is one of our key values. We have also helped deliver a world-class sports precinct for the Gold Coast.
Let us in on a secret, what future plans can you reveal are in place for the Gold Coast Suns and their supporters?
Off the field, we are working on plans for a childcare centre at our sports precinct and want to keep bringing big concerts like Queen to the Gold Coast.
On field, we have some exciting young men ready to debut this season that our fans will grow to love.
What’s the best community initiative for the Club to date that you’re proud of?
I am really proud of the work we have done to tackle homelessness on the Gold Coast including hosting Homeless Connect at Metricon Stadium and the work Peter Wright and Touk Miller do to support and mentor homeless and vulnerable youth.
What do you think has been the biggest roadblock to get Gold Coasters to games and what do you think will increase attendance at Metricon Stadium games when they return?
If you win games, people will come. We have placed a big focus on keeping AFL players here over the past two years so that we can build a finals levels team. The players have signed up and we now have a strong, united and exciting group to take us to success over the next 3-4 years!
Having recently been named Co-Captain of the Gold Coast SUNS, David Swallow’s 2019 certainly started off on the right foot, and it’s only been uphill from there. The team is currently on a winning streak after acquiring 14 new players and it seems there’s no stopping them now.
We sat down for a chat with Dave about how it felt to be named Co-Captain and his thoughts on the upcoming season.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved to the Gold Coast in 2010 from WA to play for the SUNS during their first season in the VFL – so about 9.5 years now.
What do you love most about living here?
It’s a fantastic lifestyle living here on the Coast and a great environment to train and play AFL Football. The people here on the Gold Coast are really friendly and our family loves being part of it.
Tell us how you came to be a professional AFL player?
I played all my junior footy back home in WA, before moving to the Coast to play for the SUNS in 2010 before they joined the AFL competition. I was then drafted to the club, and have loved being part of the team ever since.
You’ve won plenty of prestigious awards but this season you were named Co-Captain, what does that mean to you?
It’s humbling to be voted by your peers as captain of the Club, it’s a great honour to be able to lead the team and I’m really excited about the future of the Gold Coast SUNS and hopefully I can play a small role in helping to drive the club forward.
The Gold Coast SUNS are on a winning streak at the moment, what do you attribute to such a good start to the season?
It’s been a good start to the year, but we know it’s a long season and there is plenty of football ahead. Over the off-season we had significant change at the club with 14 new players and 13 new staff arriving. Everyone has really bought into what we’re trying to achieve which is the first step, and then we’ve done a mountain of work during the pre-season to set ourselves up the best we possibly can.
How are you and the team feeling about the 2019 season?
Like I said, it’s exciting to have started the way we have, but it’s a long season. We just need to make sure as a group we continue to bring the same effort and intensity each week.
Any tricks up your sleeve?
Haha no unfortunately I don’t have many tricks up my sleeve.
How do you feel about local Gold Coasts’ support of AFL?
It’s fantastic; the Gold Coast AFL community is one that has grown so much since I’ve moved here. We always get great crowds to home games, the crowd at our first home game of the season was one of the loudest I’ve heard which is exciting for the boys. We haven’t had that much success over the years, but hopefully as we continue to keep growing as a team, even more people will fall in love with our game.
If you weren’t a professional sportsman, what would you be doing?
I’m not sure at all. I always wanted to play AFL Footy and that’s what I’ve been focused on, but I reckon a musician would be a dream job.
Any advice for aspiring players?
Have fun and work hard.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Café for breakfast: Can’t go past Nude Sisters Café in Mermaid Waters.
Spot to grab a coffee: Again, would have to be Nude Sisters Café. If you haven’t tried it, you should!
Restaurant: Hellenika in Nobby’s – Best Greek food
How does a weekend in the off-season look like for you: Usually spend time with my partner Georgia and my son Charlie down at the beach. Pretty relaxed!
Picture this: the game’s on, your crew’s assembled, the beer is icy cold, and the only thing louder than the crowd is your mate who suddenly thinks he’s the coach. Anything less than this elite setup? Unacceptable. But finding the ultimate spot to soak up the action – one with massive screens, solid feeds, and an atmosphere that screams game on – isn’t always an easy feat.
Luckily, we’ve done the legwork (no pre-game warm-ups required) and rounded up the best sports bars on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or just here for the snacks, these Gold Coast sports bars (listed north to south for your convenience) have you covered. Now, go forth and cheer responsibly – or, you know, as loudly as possible.
Hope Island Tavern
This coastal-cool tavern has had a massive glow-up, and sports fans, you’re going to love this one. The brand-new sports bar is stacked with mega screens, TAB access, and an ice-cold beer lineup that’ll keep your thirst quenched from the first whistle to the final siren.
Not just a sports haven, this revamped spot also brings next-level pub bites (hello, Prawn & Bug Rolls and Salsiccia Pizza) and a lush beer garden perfect for pre-game pints or post-match celebrations. Add in a pool table, air hockey, and weekly entertainment, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate sports, sips, and good vibes HQ.
Where: 93 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Crafty’s Sports Bar
Shopping and sports? An unexpected MVP combo. Smack bang in Harbour Town, Crafty’s lets you mix and match – stock up on the essentials, then settle in for some top-tier craft beers and next-level eats while you catch the action. Or, better yet, let your partner hit the stores while you lock in for the game. Win-win.
Where: Harbour Town Eats – 147/189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Ashmore Tavern
If you haven’t checked out Ashmore Tavern’s $5 million glow-up, now’s the time. With a revamped sports bar (hello, sleek screens and balcony views), daily live sports, and a lineup of delicious eats, this place is serving up the action in serious style.
Where: 161 Cotlew Street, Ashmore
The Cavill Hotel
When it comes to bigger is better, The Cavill delivers – literally. With one of the biggest screens in Surfers, this is the place to park up, grab a drink, and catch every second of the action in all its larger-than-life glory. Bonus points for booking a table so you can cheer on your team in style.
Where: 46 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines
This place is a game-changer – literally. Sitting pretty on the most iconic corner in Surfers, The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines is a state-of-the-art sports mecca, boasting wrap-around digital screens, a killer menu, and an on-site microbrewery. Oh, and the city’s largest circular island bar, so you’ll never be more than a few steps away from your next cold one. Game on.
Where: Cnr Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach Tavern
Broadbeach Tavern is a coastal icon and your go-to for catching all the live sports action. Whether you’re watching the footy, cricket, or the latest game, the Sports Bar has you covered with huge screens showing every play, goal, and try. Catch all the sports action on the big screens or relax on the spacious deck with a drink in hand, enjoying the sunshine and ocean breeze.
Where: The Oasis, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
The Beach Hotel
Fat Freddy’s may be gone, but what has replaced it? A revamped, reimagined, and ridiculously good sports bar that blends beachy vibes with big screens. The Beach Hotel Broadbeach has more screens than ever, so you won’t miss a second of the action. With wall-to-wall TVs in the Public Bar, a breezy Beer Garden, and a menu that’s part pub grub, part chef-hatted magic, this spot delivers top-tier viewing, top-tier bites, and top-tier vibes. Game on.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Star Sports Bar
If sports bars had a podium, this one would be standing front and centre, medal gleaming. With 23 massive screens, private booths (yes, you can pre-book them like a VIP), and a huge 10.5-metre mega-screen, The Star Sports Bar is where legends are made – on and off the field. Add in the iciest beers and a smorgasbord of top-notch food options, and you’ve got yourself a championship-level experience.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Main Gaming Floor, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill
When it comes to knowing what sports fans want, The Sporting Globe has it down to a fine art – and a nationwide lineup of venues to prove it. Expect wall-to-wall screens, daily food specials, and an electric atmosphere that rivals the final seconds of a tied game. Heading to a Gold Coast Titans match at Cbus Stadium? These legends will shuttle you there and back, so you can focus on celebrating (or commiserating) properly. Now that’s a game plan we can get behind.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Burleigh Bears Leagues Club
Can’t make it to the big game in person? No worries! Burleigh Bears Leagues Club is your ultimate sports haven on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re in the Lounge or the Sports Bar, this place has it all – big screens, a relaxed atmosphere, and the best spot to catch every moment of the game. With cold beers flowing and friendly staff making sure you’re looked after, it’s no surprise that this spot is a top pick for sports fans.
Where: 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami
Burleigh Town Hotel
Burleigh Town Hotel isn’t just playing the game – it’s winning it. Home to an 11-metre mega-screen (the biggest pub screen in the southern hemisphere, no less), this place is an absolute showstopper. Add in a suspended cylinder screen so you can see the action from every angle, plus a sleek new bistro for pre-game feasting, and you’ve got yourself a spectator’s paradise.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Coolangatta Hotel
On the southern end of the Coast, The Coolangatta Hotel is the prime location to catch any sporting activities and be assured of a buoyant and passionate atmosphere. Pair it with a splash and lounge on one of Coolangatta’s famous golden beaches, and then be sure to stick around for the post-game live music, and you are onto a hole in one.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Belinda Symons
