Gold Coast Suns academy pool runs deep

Gold Coast academy coach Andrew Raines says this year’s batch of Suns academy draft hopefuls boast more depth than ever before.

GOLD Coast academy coach Andrew Raines says this year’s batch of Suns academy draft hopefuls boast more depth than ever before.

And there is one common trait the potential AFL stars of tomorrow have — their size.

Connor Budarick headlines a list of Suns academy players in the frame to be picked up by Gold Coast or rivals at the 2019 national draft.

The 2019 under-18 All-Australian halfback and midfielder is a booming talent and the progression of Papua New Guinea product Paul-Oea Hewago, Ashton Crossley, Josh Gore and Corey Joyce has given Gold Coast a lot to ponder.

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All were part of the extended Allies under-18 representative squad except Joyce who helped steer Gold Coast to an academy series win in May.

Raines said it was the most depth an academy group he has had come through the club since he joined the academy coaching department at the end of 2015.

Gold Coast Suns Academy member Hewago Paul Oea. Picture: NEAFL/TJ YIELDS

“It’s probably the most even group I have had,” Raines said.

“It’s the most depth we have had in terms of the academy list. Blokes can come in and they are able to play a role at NEAFL or any level.”

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Under-19 talents Fitzroy Greenwool and Dirk Koenen also present as possible over-age players Gold Coast could list after successful seasons in the NEAFL.

The only thing lacking in the group of prospects are key position talents.

“They are all a similar size,” Raines said.

“There are not many key position players this year. We have a lot of smaller flankers and on-ballers. That is just the way it happens sometimes.”

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