From grassroots dream to senior club: documentary charts rise of Surf Coast Suns

The rise of the Surf Coast’s first senior football and netball club in more than 40 years is the subject of a new AFL Barwon documentary.

The Rise of the Surf Coast Suns traces the club’s progression from a junior program to its entry into the Bellarine Football Netball League, featuring interviews with key figures involved in the journey.

The short-form documentary was screened for the first time at a Surf Coast Suns club dinner on Wednesday night before its public release on Friday.

 

 

In a joint statement, football president Jay Williams and netball president Claire Sadler said the film captured the people and the commitment behind the club’s growth.

“The Surf Coast Suns story is one built on community, passion and progression,” they said.

“This documentary captures far more than football and netball, it highlights the journey of a club that has grown from a strong junior foundation into a thriving senior program, driven by the commitment of so many people both on and off the field.

“To see the pathway from juniors through to seniors showcased in this way is something our entire club can be incredibly proud of.

“It reflects years of hard work from our players, coaches, families, volunteers, committee members and supporters who continue to shape the culture and future of the Surf Coast Suns.”

 

 

Williams and Sadler said the documentary highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people to remain connected to their local community through sport while developing an environment where players could grow and represent the club with pride.

AFL Victoria head Greg Madigan described the Suns’ entry into senior competition this season as a significant milestone for football and netball across the region.

“The journey of the Surf Coast Suns Football Netball Club is a remarkable story of vision, resilience and community spirit,” he said.

“To see the club take the field in 2026 as the first new senior club to enter the league in 41 years is a significant milestone, not only for the Surf Coast Suns, but for football and netball across the broader Barwon region.”

AFL Barwon chief executive Kate Patterson thanked AFL Victoria for supporting the project and acknowledged the Surf Coast Suns community for sharing its story.

The full documentary is available to view via the AFL Barwon website.