AFL

'Pull his head in': Hardwick calls out fiery Sun

Mar 16, 2026

Mac Andrew of the Suns — Suns' Mac Andrew gave away three free kicks on a frustrating night against the Cats. -AAP Image

Mac Andrew's antics have finally earnt the ire of Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick, who knows rival teams will continue to push the combustible defender's buttons all season.

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The fullback ensured West Coast debutant Milan Murdock's first AFL goal was a stroll in Sunday's 59-point Suns win.

Andrew gave away a 50-metre penalty after slinging the rookie to the ground once he had been caught with the ball on the boundary line.

It was the latest indiscretion from the fiery 22-year-old, who is tied to the Suns until at least 2030 on a contract reportedly worth more than $1 million a season.

Andrew gave away three free kicks on a frustrating night for the young defender, with opponent Jake Waterman kicking 3.3.

"Disappointed .. he's better than that. He knew he'd overstepped the mark," Hardwick, known for his own hot temper as a player, said.

"There's times I can handle it (and) I'm here to support him. Geez, look at my (playing) tape; just as bad, worse.

"He'll eventually grow out of it."

He said, like Sunday's opponent Harley Reid at the Eagles, Andrew's volatility was a crucial ingredient in the star package.

"But at times, like me, he's got to pull his head in," Hardwick said.

"We'll speak about that. I love the kid. Love the way he plays. He was very good and then he had some moments tonight that were not so good."

The coach said the challenge would be heightened by the likelihood of teams attempting to provoke a player who had earned a reputation.

"That's part of it; he's put himself in a situation and it's our job to help him through that," Hardwick said.

Andrew's role could change as soon as next Saturday at the MCG against Richmond, with key defender Charlie Ballard a chance to make his AFL return from injury.

The talented tall ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the corresponding fixture last year and has played two VFL practice matches in the last fortnight.

Midfield-forward Bailey Humphrey (hamstring) should also be fit to face the Tigers after he was a late scratching on Saturday, replaced by Jake Rogers.

And the coach also has the luxury of promoting either of Jed Walter and former Western Bulldogs' No.1 pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, who both played in Sunday's VFL practice game.