Gold Coast SUNS management have challenged their players to adhere to the clubs code of conduct, or face penalties that could see players suspended from matches and or fined in the future.

After almost three years of operating incident free, the GC SUNS have found themselves at the centre of two high profile matters since the conclusion of the 2011 season.

As the group heads into it’s two week Christmas break, they do so knowing that there are now even clearer expectations and significant sanctions and penalties in place should they be deemed to have breached the clubs internal code of conduct.

Gold Coast SUNS CEO, Travis Auld made it clear offending players will be suspended and could face financial penalties under the tough stance taken by the club.

“While we acknowledge that with such a large playing list and a very young group that behavioural matters will arise from time to time, we felt it necessary to reinforce our expectations to the group.”

“We are extremely proud of our team, they are largely responsible for the positive way in which the club has been embraced and is perceived throughout the community, and as a club, we have a responsibility to ensure that good work isn’t eroded by a few players who at times don’t make responsible decisions in the best interest of themselves or the club.” Said Auld

Following the clubs inaugural season in the AFL, the club felt it was the right time to reinforce to the playing group the seriousness by which off-field behaviour is regarded.

“In 2011 we had 34 debutants, and after one year in the AFL system, our players have a greater understanding of what it takes to be an elite footballer on and off the field. That’s is why we felt it was important that we continue to evolve the expectations established back in 2009 around the way we carry ourselves in the community and the decisions our players make off the field. ”

The Gold Coast SUNS assembled the entire playing list to reinforce the clubs commitment to upholding it’s values and achieving their goals on and off the football field prior to the start of the Christmas break which commences on Wednesday afternoon.