WHEN Anne Hatchard got to Gold Coast, she was hopeful of a five-win season, but it didn’t take the three-time premiership star long to figure out the Suns had a “special” group of players.

Coming off a wooden spoon in 2025 and 17th place finish in 2024, the Suns had won just three times, with a draw, in their previous 23 matches.

So, when Hatchard made the big move north from Adelaide following 102 games, three flags and three best-and-fairests, her expectations were tempered.

However, that changed once the 28-year-old saw the influx of Academy graduates that were drafted at the end of last year.

Now, with a 9-3 record, Gold Coast is preparing to play just the third final in its history on Sunday when hosting Hawthorn at People First Stadium.

“I knew there was talent … but when I first came here, I was of the mindset I’d be happy with five wins,” Hatchard told AFL.com.au.

“But pre pre-season, watching the group train, I thought “we’ve got talent. We can push into finals”.

“As the year went on, I built more faith.

“When you’ve been in so many groups through the years you know which ones are special and as soon as I got here, I knew this was really special.”

Hatchard said it was the younger players’ eagerness to ask questions and learn that impressed her so much.

She said Dekota Baron’s growth from the start of pre-season to the beginning of the home-and-away campaign was enormous, because she wanted to learn and soaked in the advice.

Hatchard has fitted in seamlessly, primarily used by coach Rhyce Shaw as a medium-sized forward that can help out in the midfield.

Her experience has been valuable playing in the front half of the ground alongside Baron, Havana Harris, Alannah Welsh, Ava Usher, Sunny Lappin and Lily Quigley – all who are 20 or younger.

Hatchard and Harris have already formed a wonderful on-field chemistry, constantly finding one another around goal.

"She is phenomenal. She doesn’t know how good she is," Hatchard said.

“I think she can be the best player in the league. 

“Give her a few more years when she builds that confidence, 'I’m stronger than everyone, I can run like anyone else'.

“I think she’s an incredible player and I love playing alongside her.”

Ahead of facing the Hawks, Hatchard said her advice was simple for her younger teammates.

“When I was that young kid, I just played with freedom,” she said.

“I want them to go out there and play with flair and have some fun. That’s when they’re going to play their best footy.

“Let the older ones settle everything and they just go out and do their thing.

“What’s really exciting about this team is they can just do amazing things already.

“There’s a little more pressure, but just go out there and have some fun.”