Gold Coast sign Victorian Sam Fletcher on final day of supplementary selection period

GOLD Coast have added to their midfield stocks a week from the start of the season with the signing of Victorian Sam Fletcher.

GOLD Coast have added to their midfield stocks a week from the start of the season with the signing of Victorian Sam Fletcher.

The Suns have secured the on-baller on the final day of the supplementary selection period (SSP).

“It’s been my dream to play AFL at the highest level and I’m grateful the SUNS have given me that opportunity,” Fletcher said.

SUNS INAUGURAL NUMBER ONE TICKET HOLDERS

‘PIGS ARSE SUNS WILL GIVE UP’: COCHRANE

“I’m looking forward to getting up to the Gold Coast, and doing everything I can, to give myself the best chance of playing footy.”

Fletcher, who took part in last year’s Victorian state combine, has been hampered by injury in recent seasons, including a lacerated kidney, but still managed to average 23.5 disposals for the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup in 2018.

Sam Fletcher of Vic Country kicks during the U18 match between Vic Country and Vic Metro at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 24, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Robert Prezioso/AFL Media/Getty Images.

“I knew I just had to keep working hard, keep working on my game and hopefully an opportunity would arise,” Fletcher said.

Gold Coast football manager Jon Haines confirmed the club’s interest in Fletcher, 19, on Thursday, labelling the man overlooked at last year’s draft a great fit for the Suns.

“We’re really looking to add some further depth to our midfield and we’ve been monitoring Sam’s progress over the past couple of months,” Haines said.

“He joins us with a really professional work ethic, a fantastic attitude and great talent as an inside midfielder.”

“Sam displays the character standards we are targeting in potential recruits and has often been recognised for his leadership capabilities within the elite pathway teams he has been apart of.”

It leaves Gold Coast with two list spots that can be used for the mid-season draft following season-ending knee injuries to Rory Thompson and Harrison Wigg.

Thompson and Wigg can be placed on the long-term injury list at any stage by the Suns, freeing them up to replace the duo.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS FOR 50C A DAY