AHEAD of Anne Hatchard's first game against Adelaide on Saturday, Gold Coast coach Rhyce Shaw has lauded the immediate impact the 28-year-old has made on his young team.

Hatchard headed north last off-season following a legendary career at the Crows where she played 102 games, won three premierships, a Grand Final best on ground, three best and fairest and four All-Australian jackets.

Now, in her first season at the Suns, Hatchard has been an integral member of the competition's feel-good story of 2026, adding both composure and an "edge" to a team dominated by its youth.

Speaking on Thursday, Shaw said running out at Unley Oval in opposition colours would be a "different" feeling for Hatchard, but one she and the fourth-placed Suns were looking forward to.

"She's having a lot of fun up here," Shaw said.

Anne Hatchard ahead of round five between Gold Coast and Collingwood at People First Stadium, September 12, 2026. Picture: Getty Images

"She's been an amazing leader, an amazing person and an amazing character for our group, and we're really appreciative we've had the opportunity for her to pull on our jumper.

"She's been unbelievable for us this year. Hopefully we can support her in the right way on the weekend."

Hatchard has split her time between the forward line and midfield, leading the high-powered Suns with an average of six score involvements a game.

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While her impact purely as a player has been immense, it's her "calmness" alongside young forwards Havana Harris (20), Ava Usher (19), Dekota Baron (19), Heidi Talbot (19) and Sunny Lappin (18) that has been so crucial.

"She gets the best out of herself each and every week and I think that brings the best out of the rest of the group," Shaw said.

"It gives us that North Star to work towards and those younger players that are down forward and around her have really held on to her coattails and taken a lot of knowledge and experience from Anne.

"She's a bit of a Pied Piper and does a really good job down there. She's vital to our team."

Anne Hatchard speaks to teammates during round three between Gold Coast and Geelong at People First Stadium, August 30, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Gold Coast has won six straight games, and Shaw says it is very much looking at just the next opponent, despite the excitement around their surge up the ladder.

"We want to play our brand of footy. We want to go about it our way and if that's exciting for everyone to watch, that's a good thing.

"We also want it to be effective and that's really important to us.

"Statistically Adelaide are still very very sound. They're a really good team.

"It's going to be no easy task going over there, but we're looking forward to it."