Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna says the Suns are going places despite nose-diving from top-eight certainties to also-rans in the second half of the AFL season.
McKenna's side hit the lead early in the final term of Saturday's round-22 clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium before the Bombers triumphed 16.12 (108) to 13.11 (89).
Gold Coast have a win-loss record of 10-11 with one round remaining, having lost nine of their past 12 games after making rivals take notice with a 7-2 start.
McKenna, whose contract expires after the 2015 season, has taken charge of the Suns since their debut in 2011.
Not making finals after such a strong mid-season platform in 2014 could be seen as a failure.
However the season-ending shoulder injury suffered by skipper Gary Ablett in round 16 left a huge hole in the side's midfield.
McKenna is talking up the club's chances of claiming a flag next season, despite missing the finals completely in 2014.
"There's nothing in the rules to say we can't," McKenna told Nine's "The Sunday Footy Show" program.
McKenna said he wouldn't be lobbying the club for a contract extension, but he expected officials to come to him early in 2015.
"I'm very comfortable with the development of our playing group," McKenna said.
"We've taken some steps forward. Yes we stubbed our toe along the way, certainly in the back half of this season.
"But I'm very confident with a fit, healthy list next year we'll make finals and really give it a good show next season.
"I have got a year to run, next season. I would assume when that year starts and we perform the way we'll perform, I'm assuming that conversation will go on."
McKenna said all coaches know it's a volatile position.
"We know there's a bullet out there somewhere at some stage," he said.
"I'm very confident with a pre-season, what we achieved this season and what we hope to achieve next season, all that sort of stuff will be water under the bridge.
"If they think I'm the right person they'll come to me and we'll get the deal done."
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