Damien Hardwick has flattened any trade rumours surrounding star Sam Flanders, who was recently reported to have gained interest from Victorian clubs.
St Kilda has been a club linked with a move for the 76-gamer, although Flanders, a Gippsland product, is contracted until 2027.
Flanders has become sought after following a career-best year in 2024 saw him emerge as a damaging, possession-accumulating midfielder when he made the positional switch from the backline.
While hampered by injury this season, Hardwick has lauded the 23-year-old and refuted any suggestion of a move back to his home state this off-season.
The Suns coach couldn't help but chuckle in disbelief when reflecting on his reaction to the report about Flanders' trade interest.
"I saw the Sam Flanders one. We're not in the business of trading our very best players so Sam Flanders won't be going anywhere," Hardwick said.
"I've got a real soft spot for Sam, he's one of my favourites. He's been really challenged this year with injury, but he's bounced over the break, we're really positive about his backend of the year.
"He's sort of the solution for us, we're really looking forward to his second part of the year. He's an outstanding player, finished second or third in our best and fairest last year, and he ain't going anywhere.
"He's moving a hell of a lot freer. He's trained really well over the course of the last two weeks... There's no question in my mind when he plays at his absolute best with Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, Touk Miller and these players, we're a different side so we're going to see a spike in performance.
"Not only in Sam but in our group overall."
The Suns' moves in the off-season remain a curious watch, with Matt Rowell still yet to re-sign, while the attraction of Gold Coast's lifestyle could pull more recruits into the all-red uniform next season, following the major signings of John Noble and Daniel Rioli in 2024.
