GOLD Coast CEO Mark Evans has completed his clean-out at the Suns with the last remaining foundation senior football figure, Scott Clayton, to depart after this month’s draft.

The Suns were caught out on Monday when GWS cut ties with list manager Craig Cameron after learning of his intention to join Gold Coast.

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The Giants’ move prompted headlines about a cold war between the expansion clubs but in reality it only created another minor embarrassment for the Suns over the bungled handling of the departure of a long serving staff member.

Clayton was long odds to retain his position after coach Rodney Eade and football manager Marcus Ashcroft were both sacked following Evans’ review.

media_camera Scott Clayton will leave Gold Coast after the draft. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

But the Suns had hoped the news would hold until after the draft when an announcement could be made presenting it as a mutual decision.

Gold Coast have yet to appoint a replacement for Ashcroft and have hinted at a restructure where Cameron might fulfil some of the football manager’s duties.

Clayton is the only senior figure still at the club from their inaugural season in 2011. It is understood he knew he would not be at the club next year before the Giants’ announcement on Monday.

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GWS have demanded Cameron play no part in the upcoming draft but it appears to be just a shot across Gold Coast’s bows with the club already confirming Clayton was staying on until the end of the month.

The Giants have pick 11 as their first selection in this year’s draft, while the Suns have pick 19.

“We can confirm that Scott Clayton will lead the club through the draft period later this month,’’ a spokesman said in a statement.

media_camera Gold Coast has poached GWS list boss Craig Cameron. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Sources within GWS claim their outrage stems from the fact that any Suns appointments must be approved by the AFL, which means that headquarters had sanctioned a poaching raid.

However, Suns insiders said the initial approach was made by Cameron.

Gold Coast are surprised at the GWS reaction given the Giants had made a play for Suns senior assistant coach Dean Solomon during the 2017 season.

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Cameron only arrived at the Giants in May last year and is understood to have been contracted until the end of 2019.

Cameron worked with Suns chief executive Mark Evans at Melbourne before spending several years at Richmond.

media_camera Pearce Hanley was injured while playing for Ireland against Australia in Sunday’s first International Rules clash. Picture: Sarah Reed

Meanwhile, Pearce Hanley will undergo scans on Tuesday on a suspected broken hand that may require surgery.

Hanley suffered the injury while playing for Ireland in the International Rules series opener in Adelaide on Sunday.

He flew back to the Coast on Monday night.

The Suns suspect it is a fractured metacarpal. If surgery is required Hanley may have to skip a week or two of ball work but would be fit to start running when he returns to training in two weeks.