The club have identified their top 19 prospects they believe are capable of being picked up in AFL drafts in the foreseeable future, and a new program will help ensure they are ready to take that chance.

Each prospect trains as part of the Suns Academy pathways, and will all get a week to train alongside the AFL squad — an all-encompassing experience as though they were preparing for the weekend’s fixtures themselves.

The 19 players are trained under the guidance of Suns development coaches and former AFL players in Rhyce Shaw and Jarrod Cotton, with those chosen identified as the ones with the best chance of being drafted in the coming 12 months.

According to Suns Academy manager Kath Newman, this initiative is the first of its kind in the AFL and will give their junior talents a leg up once they put their names forward for professional selection.

Even if they do not get drafted, she said the experience they would gain training alongside the likes of Izak Rankine under the guidance of Stuart Dew would trickle down into the local competitions — strengthening football on the Gold Coast as a whole.

“They’ve been hand-picked and are ones we think we want to give the best chance to be drafted, but even if they don’t the skills and learnings will go back into the QAFL and make those teams better,” Newman said.

“We’d love them all to get drafted, but we see this as part of giving back to the community as well. We believe that it’s leading the way and there wouldn’t be any other payers across the whole nation getting this sort of access and experience.”

While an obvious component of the elite performance program is to enhance the players skillsets and comfort in high level environments, Newman said a major area would focus on resilience training.

An athlete lucky enough to have a long career at the top will undoubtedly face a variety of obstacles — from comprehending injuries and how to deal with such damaging setbacks, to constant scrutiny of being in the public eye.

Newman said this training would be passed down to their next generation of talent in a bid to be pre-emptive when it comes to mental wellbeing concerns, rather than reactive once issues rear their head.

“It’s also some resilience training in managing expectations so the ones who make it in the spotlight it will give them strategies and skills and some social media training,” she said.

“But also the ones that don’t make it to the level they would like to just to be able to bounce back. The year you turn 18 is the first year you can get drafted, it’s not necessarily the last opportunity.

“We’ve got a curriculum that we’ll roll out through the years so they get those skills – in good times, bad times, injuries or non-selection, if they have trouble at home; hopefully we give them those skills (to handle those moments).”

Brinn Little (Palm Beach Currumbin) — Key Defender

One of the players who has been severely affected by Covid-19 with regards to their development, Brinn Little has been given another chance to impress the Suns in an elite environment.

The Palm Beach Currumbin defender has long been a part of the Academy programs, however the disruptions caused by the pandemic have hindered his progress.

Newman said Little had been brought into the mix as a top age due to the number of chances he missed as competitions and opportunities were called off when outbreaks occurred.

And she said the key defender’s style of play certainly defied his surname — a tall, lean and driven man at the back who demonstrated clean hands close to the ground that bellied his stature.

“Brinn is a 19-year-old and for all of our 19-year-olds they were really hugely affected by Covid. When they were 18 this age group was under 19s and bottom agers, then when we came back into the program this year the AFL changed it to under-18 and they were aged out,” Newman said.

“Brinn works really hard; he’s a defender and all defenders are really quite driven people and he’s just an absolute rock down back. He’s 197cm I think from guessing, tall and thin, and really good hands and smart.”

Cody Harrington (Broadbeach) — Small Forward

A Broadbeach local who already as a senior premiership to his credit, Cody Harrington has still had to battle his way through a promising contingent of midfielders on the Gold Coast.

But the 17-year-old has constantly proved he is up to task, and his shift to a small forward role has Newman eager to see what he can bring to the fore.

Newman likened Harrington to Suns rookie Connor Budarick in a sense — a player who has grown up a midfielder but searching for their long-term niche.

Now she believes the teenager has found it.

“We really value him and think he’s really shown good AFL qualities. He’s sort of a midfielder but probably at this next level needs to have a look at other options on the field,” Newman said.

“This whole program will be looking at his skillset and where at the next level he could fit.

“He’s not a tall player, and what we find as you come through if you sit down with any rep team you would probably find the majority of the group think they’re midfielders but you can’t build a team with all midfielders.

“We have to find their strengths in other areas.”

Ethan Read (Palm Beach Currumbin) — Ruck

At just 17, Ethan Read already stands at more than two-metres tall.

And according to Newman, every extra inch he has on his rivals translates to speed across the park that is near unrivalled.

Read has already featured for the Allies squad in the NAB AFL National Championships, and by all reports has been strong despite back-to-back losses.

“He has got a huge tank. I think he was second or third in our 2km time trial and is a big man who can run all day,” Newman said.

“He’s an absolutely quality kid. He played Allies on the weekend, I flicked over to see half the game, and by all reports he was absolutely outstanding.”

Finn Brown (Broadbeach) — Inside Midfielder

While he has been unlucky to miss out on Allies selection thus far, Finn Brown is earning plenty of recognition within the Suns ranks.

Already he has featured for the Broadbeach Cats in the QAFL, becoming a figure in the club’s premiership triumph last year.

Newman said it was the attitude he brought to the field which stood out the most, bringing on a fearless mentality that made him a threat at every contest.

“He’s a big bodied midfielder who goes and goes and goes,” Newman said.

“But he’s not scared to get off the ground and take a leap at the pack. He plays above his height but is really hard at it and is determined.”

Jake Rogers (Broadbeach) — Small Forward

At just 17, Jake Rogers is already making a telling impression in senior football, and his efforts came as recently as a best on ground effort last weekend.

The small forward helped orchestrate a three-point win for the Cats over Labrador, finishing with 19 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s and a goal.

As he awaits for his chance to enter the AFL draft, Newman said the Suns were eager to see just how quickly he could develop.

“He’s small, crafty, and just as clean up high as below his knees,” Newman said.

“He’ll often put on a hit and spin and has electrifying speed, he’s really one people should be watching for in next year’s draft.

“All through our Academy games he was in our best almost every single time.”

Jared Eckersley (Broadbeach) — Inside Midfield

Already a senior men’s premiership winner on the Gold Coast and now a member of the Allies squad. Jared Eckersley is a young man on the rise.

Newman said that the talented inside midfielder often looked like he was in cruise control, such was the manner and ease with which he moved with the ball.

Seemingly with a plethora of time to make some magic happen, that composure could be what holds him in the greatest stead moving forward in his career.

“Really has a lot of upside, just really hard at the footy, and just deceptively covers the ground well,” Newman said.

“Sometimes it looks like he’s not working hard and looks like he’s not running fast. but when you have a look at his GPS data he’s right up there.”

Jed Foggo (Palm Beach Currumbin) — Halfback

Ever since he was just beginning to get a taste of elite football, Jed Foggo had been targeted as a youngster who would always be in the upper echelon of his age group.

Now the 19-year-old — capable of playing halfback and through the midfield — has entered the senior ranks and will be out to prove he belongs at the top.

“He has been one of those kids right through from when he was 14 you could identify he was going to be a better player all the way through,” Newman said.

“He’s also in that Allies team, he played last week in the first game against South Australia.”

Jed Walter (Palm Beach Currumbin) — Key Forward

“Write his name down.”

Newman did not take much prompting to gush about Jed Walter, who she has predicted to be a top contender at the AFL draft next year.

Playing both games for the Allies squad thus far as a key forward, Walter has kicked six goals across the clashes to feature among the side’s best and fairest.

Newman said the young gun had the makings of a complete package footballer in the years to come; blessed with height, speed and clean hands.

However perhaps his greatest asset is the strength that he brings into each contest for the possession.

“He was throwing defenders away last week, anyone near him he’s pushed them out of the way,” Newman said.

“He’s the full package for sure: tall, strong, can run, his tank his really good and his speed is really good.

“Being part of this program will be really good for him to know what it takes to go to the next level. Sometimes they may have all the physical attributes, now it’s letting them know how hard they have to work to sustain it.

“Once you get drafted, that’s when the hard work starts, so if we can chip away and let him know what it’s like to live the life of an elite athlete … then I think he’ll be better suited.”

Josh Zanker-Close (Broadbeach) — Key Defender

Josh Zanker-Close is another 17-year-old who justifies the excitement the Suns have about their group approaching their first draft year.

A tall key defender with a telling read for the game, Zanker-Close has made a name for himself within the Gold Coast club’s walls for his adaptability at the back.

Whether he is snuffing out a threatening attacking raid or ensuring his opposite number is not given an inch of room to work with, the teenager has made sure he stands out with each outing despite perhaps not building the same highlight reel as his teammates further up the field.

“He’s tall, reads the ball really well and just he seems to get himself into really good positions for intercept marking,” Newman said.

“But he also can be a lockdown defender as well, he’s pretty flexible in those two roles.”

Jye Lockett (Broadbeach) — Key Forward

He carries a name synonymous with success with the Sherrin in hand, but Jye Lockett is out to forge his own legacy on the field.

The Broadbeach key forward’s famous uncle, Tony Lockett, who finished his AFL career with 281 games to his credit as a full forward for St Kilda and Sydney.

The teenage Lockett shares some traits to the man who helped himself to more than 1300 goals throughout his time on the big stage, but now Newman wanted to see him showcase what made him unique as he searches for higher chances.

“He’s been playing VFL through the year, he’s a key forward, really good hands, and a good kick as well as many of the Locketts,” she said.

“He probably has some characteristics of his famous uncle but has certainly forged his own way. He’s been in Victoria last year, but has come back and re-engaged with our program again this year — it’s been great to have him around.”

Lawsen Ford (Thuringowa) — Ruck

Plucked seemingly out of nowhere in the North Queensland town of Charters Towers, Lawsen Ford’s ascent through the ranks has been nothing short of meteoric.

Growing up with a rugby background, Ford attended an Aussie rules gala day barely two years ago simply to get out of school for a day. Suns scouts were on hand to witness a rare natural ability, and Ford’s shift to the Sherrin began.

Immediately he was playing senior football with the Thuringowa Bulldogs in the Townsville competition, before the Suns eventually extended the offer for him to relocate to the Gold Coast.

“He’s really applied himself since coming down here, he’s seen the opportunity and taken the opportunity to learn from the best,” Newman said.

“He’s been like a sponge, and everything we could’ve asked of him. He didn’t play in the first couple of Academy games, the coach was balancing up is he ready to take that next step?

“He bit the bullet and put him in and he was just outstanding. I think because of some of his rugby background he’s quite aggressive with his tackling, getting up and back into the game. “His ruck work has improved but it’s his grit and determination.”

Louie McLennan (Palm Beach Currumbin) — Halfback

The younger brother of Suns contracted player Jez McLennan, Louie McLennan has been forced to battle through a tirade of injuries to reach this point.

Newman said the 18-year-old had to fight his way back into the fold, having suffered from osteitis pubis, but his strength and fitness spiked noticeably to earn his spot among the top 19.

“He’s had a number of injuries over the last 12 months and worked really hard to come back into the squad. He’s an 18 year old and just so fit and strong and hard running as well,” Newman said.

“He didn’t have the opportunity as a 17 year old coming back from injury so I think he’s now on that path of trusting his body that it’s going to hold firm and we’ll see some real improvements in Louie over the next 12 months.

“It was a long road back to recovery but he hung in there and trained alongside everyone and part of the group.”

Marlin Corbett (Surfers Paradise) — Wing

Having grown up in the Northern Rivers, Marlin Corbett risked missing a crucial phase of his development as he became locked out of the state at the height of the pandemic.

However the talented winger has been quick to bounce back to top flight, even kicking a goal for the Allies side in their loss to Vic Metro.

“This year he has finally got a bit of a season together, played for the Allies and did really well,” Newman said.

“He is really fast and just makes good decisions, on that wing that’s what you really need — to give him open space but use the ball once he breaks through.”

Max Masters (Broadbeach) — Halfback

He has given up on the “beautiful mullet” that stood out on the field, but the loss of his long locks has done little to stop Max Masters’ charge towards the AFL.

At the start of the year, Newman said Masters had not been identified among their top 35 list, but through sheer will he forced his way into the mix.

The Suns put him in an under-17s game and he “shone like a beacon”. Suddenly the 17-year-old was thrust onto the radar, with an extra spot found just for him.

A talented halfback, the Broadbeach product has overcome a handful of injuries throughout his junior days, highlighting that no matter the setback he had the tools to overcome.

“We put him in the 18s and from there on he played all the games and really deserved to be in that team,” Newman said.

“As the administrator, here I am going I’ve only got 35 jumpers and this many bags, but we found everything for him and his family were really grateful.”

Ned Stevens (Labrador/Waratah) — Key Defender

The Northern Territory’s AFL scene is constantly on the rise, and Ned Stevens epitomises that.

The key defender has been taking the field for the Allies side in 2022, even moving forward to kick a goal in their 16-point loss to Victoria Metro.

“It’s just exciting to be able to give back to the NT as well so we’re recognising there’s players over there who need to be given an AFL environment which they unfortunately can’t get,” Newman said.

“He’s finished school and is working I think as a painter because he often turns up with paint all over him. He’s working and training and playing through the Academy series.

“He played some games with the Suns and when it was the NAB League he played for the NT. He’s made his pathway through to the Allies team via the Suns and NT Thunder.”

Nick Williams (Surfers Paradise) — Key Defender

At the start of the season Nick Williams was something of an unknown to those at the Suns, however a phone call from his Surfers Paradise club got the AFL outfit monitoring him.

From that point, the key defender has taken to the Suns Academy program seamlessly, forcing the orange and yellow to give him an opportunity.
According to Newman, he has not missed a beat.

We were really going in blind and trusting what other people had told us about these players,” Newman said.

“We thought this kid hasn’t been involved, but if they’re telling us he deserves it let’s give him a chance. We brought him in the Academy and he was outstanding and played every game for us.

“He was really good, he’s a key defender, really tough and strong and has really good spoils.”

Riley Stone (Palmerston Magpies) — Inside Midfielder

Another prospect hailing from the Northern Territory, Riley Stone took the bold steps over moving to the Gold Coast by himself for a shot at the big time.

An inside midfielder who is a member of the Allies squad, Stevens has converted himself into a “Gold Coaster” and has feature in the Suns’ VFL outfit throughout the year.

Newman said the one time the Suns were without Stone, who went to play for the NT on this occasion, it was a noticeable absence for what he offered off the ball as much as with it.

“He’s obviously a really good player, but we found the week that he went and played for the NT and didn’t play for the Suns we just missed his leadership and the way he can bring the team together,” she said.

“There was a little bit of a hole when Riley wasn’t there, he gathers everyone in and pumps everyone up. He’s quite driven, he knows what he wants to achieve and he’s willing to take others on the ride.”

Will Bella (Palm Beach Currumbin) — Key Forward

A Mackay-born talent whose sister has made a rapid rise through the ranks, Will Bella is bracing to cement his own legacy with the Sherrin in hand.

Bella’s older sister, Lauren, has been a regular fixture for the Suns in the AFLW, and based on his strong build for a 19-year-old a berth in the AFL could not be all that far off.

Having moved from the Sugar City to finish high school on the Glitter Strip, Bella has been a key man for Palm Beach Currumbin’s QAFL outfit, and will be eager to bounce back having missed out on being drafted this year.

“He’s a key forward who’s still working on just being really consistent, so this program is going to help him do that,” Newman said.

“He missed out on getting drafted last year and probably could have gone and played in a different league somewhere, but decided to stick with the Academy this year because he knew we could help him to improve his game.

“His shoulders are so wide, he’s like a coat hanger really with really wide shoulders and he’s been working in the gym to fill out that frame.

“He’s no means a skinny kid, he’s just turned 19 and certainly has the physical stature to be an AFL player.”

Will Graham (Palm Beach Currumbin) — Inside Midfielder

Recent knee surgery has set Will Graham back somewhat, however Newman said the Suns had put a program in place to ensure he remained a part of their future plans.

The insider midfielder has missed out on plenty of game time, however Newman said his potential had the club eager to see what he could do upon his comeback.

“He’s on the rehab track but we put him in this program because during the pre-season and in the couple of games he played he was just electrifying,” she said.

“He’s an inside mid but just so explosive and can jump and has no fear either. He just had a little bit of cartilage clean up so we’re hoping he’ll be playing QALF in the next few weeks.”

nick.wright@news.com.au