AFL legend stunned as Gold Coast forward Joel Jeffrey is handed a four-year extension - but many Suns fans are elated at the development

Outspoken AFL identity Kane Cornes has questioned the logic behind Gold Coast Suns offering fringe forward Joel Jeffrey a four-year contract extension.

Jeffrey, 21, made his debut in 2021 but has gone onto play just 16 games across three seasons.

The Suns confirmed the development on Monday, leaving Cornes in disbelief. 

'Automatic qualification to the hall of fame of stupid contracts,' he posted on X when the deal was confirmed.

Cornes - who won a flag with Port Adelaide in 2004 - had some supporters on social media, with one footy fan posting in response: 'I can't disagree....this contract for a fringe player I've never heard of just smacks of cluelessness.'

But other rusted-on Gold Coast supporters were happy to see the club secure the services of the Darwin born goal poacher long-term.

'Great signing if we can get the best out of him. We need him at his best and not accepting a place in the VFL side as being OK. Absolute potential champion,' one wrote.

Another said: 'Really like this....good signing, he is ready to explode this kid.'

After finishing 15th this season, expectations will be considerably higher on the Glitter Strip in 2024 following coach Damien Hardwick inking a six-year deal in August.

Hardwick quit as head coach of Richmond in May, citing burnout after leading the Tigers to three premierships at Punt Rd.

'I firmly believe this is the beginning of an incredible journey with a club and a community that has a burning desire to succeed,' Hardwick said in a statement. 

'The Gold Coast deserves a successful team it can be proud of and it's now my job to deliver that.

'I can see the tremendous potential we have in front of us but understand it will take hard work to reach our goals. 

'The foundations are in place for us to build this club into a contender for years to come and this is a challenge I am extremely excited to take on.'