“But now to a large degree we have those difficult times behind us and we need to focus on the growth and opportunities that we have all worked so hard to create over the past five-six years. The sense of stability and optimism around the club is immense. I like to think I played a small part in building that direction,stability and foundation.”

Cochrane said he was proud of how far the Suns had come.

“Our board and football department has worked tirelessly to reset our program and provide our club with a platform from which we can stamp ourselves firmly amongst the competition’s elite teams in the coming years.

“We’ve got a community that is now proud of our football club and a supporter base that will continue to grow from strength to strength,as we have done with record membership numbers in the last couple of years.

“Good people associated with clubs such as ours,understand the job is never done. You are merely a custodian,holding the job and trying to hand it on better than the good people that preceded you. It is how sporting (and other organisations) thrive and grow. I’ve singularly loved being that brief custodian – I look forward to Bob East,as chairman-elect,taking it to new heights and achievements. I have not a single doubt,our greatest times and achievements remain ahead,as they should.”

Life member and inaugural board member East will be ratified as the third chairman of the club at its next board meeting.

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