The Gold Coast SUNS is excited to confirm the appointment of Wayne Campbell to the role of General Manager of Football Performance.

Campbell joins the SUNS after spending four years in a similar role at Greater Western Sydney between 2016 and 2019, overseeing the club’s football program as the Giants reached the finals in each of his four seasons, culminating in a Grand Final appearance in 2019.

A vastly decorated off-field career has seen Campbell most recently serve as the Director of Football at Sydney University and previously hold roles at the AFL, as Head of Umpiring, and multiple positions at the Western Bulldogs and Richmond Football Club.

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said Campbell would bring valuable experience to the position.

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“We’re excited to confirm Wayne Campbell as General Manager of Football at the Gold Coast SUNS, a key role that will sit on the club’s executive team and primarily be responsible for driving the performance and operations of the football department,” Evans said.

“Wayne has a wealth of knowledge and vast experience within the AFL industry over a number of years and will be a valuable addition to lead our football program.

“As a club we’ve set important foundations and our players and staff must now be striving to perform at the highest level both on and off the field.”

Campbell will work alongside Senior Coach Stuart Dew and Craig Cameron as part of the football leadership team.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity, to work alongside Stuart and Craig in leading the Gold Coast SUNS football department from 2022,” Campbell said.

“There is clear path forward for the football program and I’ll aim to do everything I can, to help this club strive for success.

“As a family, we can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the Gold Coast community.”

Campbell played 297 AFL games in a 15-year career for Richmond, winning four Best and Fairest awards and earning two All Australian selections.

He served as Richmond captain for four seasons and in 2013 was inducted into the Richmond Hall of Fame.

Campbell will look to relocate to the Gold Coast in the coming weeks and begin his role ahead of the 2022 AFL pre-season.

Craig Cameron will step into an upgraded role as General Manager Player Talent and Strategy and oversee the long term development of the club’s football programs and pathways.