How under-18 All-Australian Connor Budarick can solve a big problem for Gold Coast Suns

Suns academy coach Andrew Raines says there is one key area the club’s AFL side lacks in and believes under-18 All-Australian Connor Budarick can provide the solution.

SUNS academy coach Andrew Raines says there is one key area the club’s AFL side lacks in and believes under-18 All-Australian Connor Budarick can provide the solution.

“Skills have been the thing that has let the senior boys down over the last couple of years,” Raines said.

“We’ve been trying to find good decision makers and users. Connor has a smart footy brain and silky skills.

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“He has a great kicking ability too. He has always been at the level. He is starting to put some size on now too and is really strong in the contest even though he isn’t that tall (175cm).

“Hopefully that is big in Stuey (Dew’s) mind and plays a part (at the draft).”

Will GOULD of South Australia tackles Connor BUDARICK of the Allies during the AFL Under 18 Championships match between South Australia and the Allies at Marvel Stadium on July 03, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Dew has been public about his desire to bolster his midfield stocks further and Budarick is considered the best talent coming out of the Suns academy this year.

Budarick was named in the backline of the All-Australian team on Thursday following his performances for the Allies in the under-18 National Championships.

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“He did really well. He was arguably one of the better players of the Allies and in the whole championships,” Raines said.

“His consistency was really good.”

The Suns will have first choice to select Budarick at the 2019 national draft and Raines said he expected other clubs to show interest in the young talent.

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