What Should Gold Coast FC's Nickname Be? | Thebigtip

The AFL's new Gold Coast franchise will announce its nickname and colours in an official function this Thursday. If you can read between the lines and buy into rumours then it appears they'll be known as the Gold Coast Suns.

Indeed, AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou dropped a massive hint this week in the wake of speculation about the 'Suns' nickname.

Demetriou told 3AW radio: "I think it's one of the highly-recommended names. That's an interesting name and I'm sure it's in the mix. I know that it's been short-listed and all will be revealed next week when I'm up there for the big announcement."

It is amongst the final three candidates, but with news the AFL have bought several domain names relating to the title, it appears a fait accompli.

Naturally, Gold Coast won't confirm that until Thursday, but it's worth pondering the name before it becomes official. Do we like it or not? What alternatives are there?

First and foremost, you might ask what's in a nickname? It probably won't make the team any weaker or stronger, but for the club as a whole it makes a difference.

From the marketing and merchandise value a nickname adds a fair bit to a footy club.

And that's point should be emphasised for the AFL's newest franchise in the Gold Coast market where so many sporting franchises have failed before.

Indeed, the club's moniker will be important to identify with the locals, especially the youngsters who love the mascots and represent the key to this outfit's long-term success.

Way back in mid-2008, five nicknames were initially floated by the club. They were the Marlins, Stingrays, Guards, Ironmen and Rays.

And while none of the above captured the imagination in a local vote, they all provided a glimpse of what the club was after.

The Gold Coast, is after all, known for it's lovely beaches and seaside lifestyle, so something relating to that is pretty crucial.

There's been suggestions like the Surfers, the Grommets, the Sharks, the Koalas, the Burners and even the Melanomas!

A suggestion I've made in the past to a mixed reception has been the Torpedoes, with its ocean connotation combined with its widespread usage in AFL circles for a certain type of kick.

Whatever the case may be, the Suns appears the one which will get the nod, despite previous issues with an Australian basketball franchise following a legal matter with NBA team the Phoenix Suns.

The name isn't bad and usually these types of things tend to grow on us.

It's not an easy game coming up with a new moniker for a brand new club which hasn't really got an identity. In fact, you won't be able to please everyone.

Only time will tell if it works. But for now, what's your impressions on the Gold Coast Suns? And if you don't like it, what do you suggest?