Darwin boy Joel Jeffrey pens new deal with Gold Coast Suns FC

Darwin product Joel Jeffrey has signed a new contract that will see him at the Gold Coast Suns till 2028.

Gold Coast Suns' Ben Long, Lloyd Johnston and Joel Jeffrey alongside club CEO Mark Evans at TIO Oval during their press conference announcing games in Darwin. Picture: Elise Graham.

Joel Jeffrey has officially announced he’s staying at the Suns and is looking forward to hitting the ground running.

The versatile and highly-skilled player is fresh off the back of his VFL premiership with the Suns, and is intent to continue his form into the new year.

“I love the Gold Coast (Suns),” the 21-year-old said.

“Since walking in the door they’ve been so welcoming.

“Especially being an Indigenous player from Darwin, we’ve got a good core Indigenous group now.

“Makes everything feel much more comfortable around the club and the Darwin boys have been so good to me.

The former NTFL player has played 16 games with the Suns since 2020, a number he wants to improve.

“I want to be playing 20-plus games a year, not just half the season and getting injured,” Jeffrey said.

“I’ve just got to keep sticking to what I’ve been doing I guess, it’s been working.

“So I’m just doing everything I can to get my body right to play that many games.”

The forward is also chomping at the bit to learn from one of the game’s best minds, and getting the chance to play back home in front of his friends and families.

“I’m super pumped to be coached by him (Damien Hardwick),” Jeffrey said.

“Especially after what he’s done with Richmond, pretty excited for 2024 and onwards.

“It’s a great feeling (plating in Darwin).

“Growing up here, playing on this footy field … I’m excited.”