Gold Coast Suns academy player Max Pescud putting stunning period of form together

Max Pescud kicked six goals in his QAFL return, was among the best in the academy series and is being watched closely by rival AFL clubs heading into the draft. Discover why the Surfers Paradise Demon is so highly touted here.

MAX Pescud has always had the dream of playing in the AFL but in the past year has started to believe it could become a reality.

Pescud is one of Queensland’s brightest draft prospects coming through the ranks in 2020.

The 18-year-old Gold Coast Suns Academy player was among the best in the Suns two Academy series wins over Brisbane this month.

He has since taken his form into the QAFL, booting 6.4 in windy conditions last weekend for Surfers Paradise, who he made his senior debut for at the age of 16.

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The 185cm forward flanker, who weighs 70kg, is known for his speed and marking ability but those closest to him continually point to his hunger to win as one of the biggest attributes behind his development.

“I hate to lose, it’s the last thing I ever want to do,” Pescud said.

“I’ll do anything to win, anything at all.”

August 16, Gold Coast, Queensland - Gold Coast Suns Academy player Max Pescud (#14) in action against the Brisbane Lions at Labrador during the VFL NAB League. Scott Powick Newscorp

Pescud started to separate himself from many of his fellow players on the back of a growth spurt in 2019 and said mentors, including Suns Academy coach Andrew Raines and Surfers Paradise coach Brad Moore, had instilled enormous belief in him.

“I have played footy since I was 11 and it’s been a dream to get to the AFL,” Pescud said.

“It was never a realistic thing until last year. When I was told there was a sniff that I could do it then that is all I have been thinking about.”

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“Rainsey has helped me a lot and playing with the older boys.

“Playing seniors for Surfers has helped too, going up against the older boys makes it feel so much easier when I go back to underage football and Brad Moore is one of the best coaches I have ever had.”

Pescud is part of a group of around 15 Suns Academy players who have been brought together to train in the lead up to a potential draft combine and if they don’t pick him then the likes of North Melbourne and Adelaide have also expressed interest after watching him play in the Academy series and QAFL.

August 16, Gold Coast, Queensland - Gold Coast Suns Academy player Max Pescud (#14) in action against the Brisbane Lions at Labrador during the VFL NAB League. Scott Powick Newscorp