Suns set to back 'Bluey'

Gary Ablett's Suns are eager to taste finals action for the first time in 2014. Picture: Jerad Williams Source: News Limited

SUNS coach Guy McKenna could be handed a contract extension within months as the club gets set to back him in regardless of how the team performs in 2014.

Suns chief executive Travis Auld hinted McKenna would receive an extension on his current contract, which expires at the end of this season.

The backing comes as the Suns get set to face their first year in the AFL spotlight.

Until now the club have escaped scrutiny in their three-year existence in the big league but this year is different.

The Suns are expected to challenge for the top eight in 2014 and anything less will have supporters calling for McKenna's head.

Auld knows how the game works but insists it won't be all McKenna's fault if things don't go to plan this year.

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"We are realistic about what our goals are and where we are at as a club and it's not as if one person is responsible for our on-field performance," he said.

"It is at times quite a fickle industry and you go back to year one and we got our midfield wrong and our coaches weren't up to the challenge, according to some commentators in the AFL.

"It was a different view last year and we just need to hold our line on what we believe and not respond to commentary outside the footy club.

"Either way if we have a strong start to the season we need to keep our feet on the ground and if things don't start how we like we need to remain focused on what our longer term goal is."

Discussion about McKenna's long-term future comes after the Suns re-signed him to a new two-year deal in May, 2012 despite the club recording a 0-8 win-loss record at the time.

Auld said showing faith in McKenna was part of the club's key values.

"From day one we talked about stability being one of key planks to building our club," he said.

"That's not just the senior coach and that's the playing group, assistant coaches and even in the administration side of the business and the board.

"We would love to see all our key people stay around for some time."

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But while he doesn't have any performance-based measures to reach this year, Auld said McKenna will have his own expectations in 2014.

"He will have expectations on how he wants to coach and the team to play and you don't last long in this game unless you've got really high expectations on field," Auld said.

"(But) I don't think there is anything in particular we are asking him to do this year that would determine whether he gets another contract."

As for his three seasons at the helm of the club, Auld has been impressed by McKenna's growth.

"He came to us in 2009 with a lot of experience as an assistant coach but to coach your own team at AFL level, we've been really pleased with his development," he said.

"It was no surprise to see us improve a lot last year and I think it's a combination of not just the players but the overall coaching group improving."

Auld said a contract extension for McKenna would need to be ratified by the Suns board.

Suns chairman John Witheriff did not return calls yesterday.