The GC SUNS wish to confirm that Marcus Ashcroft will not continue in the role of General Manager - Football Operations beyond 2017.

Gold Coast Chief Executive, Mark Evans said he and Ashcroft had been discussing the decision throughout the back half of the year.

"Marcus and I have been discussing this decision for some time and to his credit he has continued to put the club first,” Evans said.

"He provided me great support as the club identified Stuart Dew as our new coach. He will continue to guide the football department through the current trade period and will assist in the transition to handover to a new General Manager of Football in the near future.

"His legacy to the SUNS, Lions and the AFL speaks for itself and I have great confidence that Marcus will not be lost to the industry."



The search for a replacement General Manager - Football Operations will commence immediately.

The GC SUNS also wish to advise that Matthew Lappin’s contract would not be extended.

Lappin joined the club at the start of the 2015 season as Head of Development. Prior to his time at the GC SUNS Lappin spent four years at Collingwood as forwards coach.