Sam Clohesy becoming a true rising star for the Gold Coast Suns

Gold Coast Suns draftee Sam Clohesy has enjoyed an incredible rise in the past couple of years, and is now shining on the biggest stage. Read how his Territory nous is helping his side.

Sam Clohesy has been an instant hit at the Gold Coats Suns since coming on board in the rookie draft, and will once again be looking to show what he’s made of against Geelong.

The 21-year-old has had an incredible rise in the past couple of years, and with just six games under his belt looks to be cementing his spot in the Suns midfield.

The midfielder was an early standout against North Melbourne kicking true in the second quarter when goals were harder to come by, and his steading influence was a catalyst for the early lead.

Along with his two goals he had 23 touches and six marks marking himself as one of the top performers against North, and proof his Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal in the VFL was no fluke.

Sam Clohesy of the Suns celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 09 match between the Gold Coast Suns and North Melbourne Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Every kid dreams of getting drafted, but to actually live it out and do it for work is unreal,” he said.

“For me I’m just trying to enjoy the ride, I keep getting told it goes so quickly, so I’m just going to enjoy every single bit of my time here.

“The game is so much quicker, everything is so much more intense, you’ve got less than half a second at the ball before you’ve got someone coming for you, and I’m loving it.”

Next up its Geelong, again at TIO Stadium a ground he isn’t too unfamiliar with, given he played there for Palmerston back in the 2022-23 NTFL season.

It was with the Magpies that he first showed what he could do as a rebounding half-back, the position he would go on to play for Werribee in the VFL and get noticed for.

“Playing for Palmerston was absolutely awesome, I played nine or 10 games before the Christmas break and had a great time,” he said.

Lloyd Johnston of the Suns celebrates a goal with teammates Sam Clohesy and Ben Long during the 2024 AFL Round 9 match between the Gold Coast Suns and North Melbourne. Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I really wanted to go back to Darwin, it’s one of my favourite places on earth, the whole competition was great, it was a really strong comp and I got a lot out of it as a footballer.

“The heat at the start was hard, I came off blowing in my first couple of games, but in the end got used to it and ended up playing different roles.

“I ended up going to half back, which is where I ended up playing for Werribee the following year and got drafted off that, so I owe a lot of credit to Palmerston for that move.”

The young gun’s performances have also impressed coach Damien Hardwick who said “he’s growing every week”.

“He’s a great kid who’s been well coached at the lower levels, the recruitment staff did a great job finding a diamond in the rough,” Hardwick said.

“He’s just such a great kick at goal who just does everything right, he’s a student of the game who’s just really keen to apply his craft at AFL level.”