“I think anyone can do it, it’s how well you do it.”

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon didn’t exactly give his former assistant Peter Sumich a glowing reference for the recently-vacated Gold Coast Suns job.

Rodney Eade was sacked by the Suns yesterday, with the dual West Coast premiership forward reported to be among a list of contenders for the job along with Dean Solomon, John Barker and Stuart Dew.

When asked what Sumich’s strengths as a coach were, Lyon could only say “plenty of experience in the industry”.

“(Sumich) played in premierships, was under John (Worsfold) as a support assistant (at West Coast) and under myself as a line coach,” Lyon told Seven News.

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Camera Icon Ross Lyon and Peter Sumich in 2014. Credit: AFL Media, Daniel Carson

“So he’s got plenty of experience in the industry that he should be able to draw upon.”

Sumich, who quit the Dockers late last season after five years as a senior assistant and development coach, is only rated a 21-1 chance by Sportsbet.com.au to get the Gold Coast gig.

Carlton assistant Barker is the favoured option at $2.75, followed by North Melbourne coach Brad Scott ($4.50) and Suns caretaker coach Solomon and Swan assistant Dew (both $7).

Sumich made a successful return to coaching ranks this season with the WA under-18s.

The 49-year-old, who missed out on the Essendon coaching job in 2007 and was overlooked by West Coast in favour of Adam Simpson in 2013, led WA to three wins from four matches at this year’s national championships.

Play Video Former Docker and premiership Bomber Dean Solomon will take the place of the sacked Rodney Eade just days after talking of his senior coaching ambitions on radio. The West Australian Video Former Docker and premiership Bomber Dean Solomon will take the place of the sacked Rodney Eade just days after talking of his senior coaching ambitions on radio.

“It’s been good. I made the choice to come back to understand kids because I’ve still got an ambition to coach at AFL level,” Sumich said after the carnival.

“That’s what I want to do, so understanding this program, the way kids develop and the way they think is something great for me.

“That’s the key because if you’re going to go into an AFL side as a coach, you’re going to be dealing with probably 60-70 per cent your list being under 24 years of age if you’re building a list.”