AFL premiership no driver for Suns coach

It’s the one glaring omission from Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade’s storied AFL career.

Eade won four premierships during his playing days at Hawthorn but is yet to secure a flag as a coach.

The Suns’ clash with North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium on Saturday will be Eade’s 600th as a player or coach in the VFL/AFL.

The 58-year-old has taken charge of 340 games at Sydney, the Western Bulldogs and the Suns in his coaching career.

Just 16 men have coached more games than Eade – with all of those winning premierships.

In addition, all except Carlton’s 1987 premiership coach Robert Walls have coached at least two grand final winning teams.

The closest Eade has come was his first year as a coach when he led the Swans to the 1996 grand final – which they lost to this weekend’s opponents the Kangaroos.

Despite that history, Eade says winning a flag as a coach isn’t what keeps him in the job.

“From my point of view, if you want to get a premiership as a coach then it’s all about you and it’s not – it’s all about the players and club,” Eade said.

“That’ll happen if it ever happens but it’s not a driver as such.”

Eade said he was unaware of the looming milestone but it’s not a sign he’s approaching the end of his time in the game.

“I’m not sure if humbled is the right word, just more thrilled to be involved in the game for a long time,” he said.

“Hopefully there’s a few more years left.”

ROCKET’S AFL LIFE – The playing and coaching career of Rodney Eade

Playing

Clubs: Hawthorn (1976-87), Brisbane (1988-90)

Games: 259

Premierships: 4 (1976, 78, 83, 86)

Coaching

Clubs: Sydney (1996-2002), Western Bulldogs (2005-11), Gold Coast (2015-present)

Games: 340 (176 wins, 159 losses, 5 draws)

* Reached 1996 grand final with Sydney, losing to North Melbourne

* Most games coached without a premiership in VFL/AFL history

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