Darwin Buffaloes’ Ashanti Bush picked up by Gold Coast Suns in 2021 AFLW Draft

Darwin Buffaloes star forward Ashanti Bush has been picked up by the Gold Coast Suns in the NAB AFLW Draft at pick number eight.

DARWIN Buffaloes star forward Ashanti Bush was picked up by the Gold Coast Suns in Tuesday night’s NAB AFLW Draft at pick number eight.

The announcement came in front of a group of excited people gathered at the Michael Long Centre including Bush’s family, friends and members from her NTFL club.

The 19-year-old from Beswick has long been noted as a strong forward line player displayed in dominant performances for the Buffettes.

She was also named the best on ground in the Arnhem Crows’ premiership win in the Big Rivers grand final win in 2020.

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Bush has also made her mark playing for the Cazalys NT Thunder Academy, Allies and the NAB AFLW Academy.

And most recently has been playing with the Hawthorn VFLW squad all with the goal of breaking through to the top level of the game.

AFLNT talent manager Simon Hargrave was looking forward to seeing Bush run out on to the field as a Sun.

“Ashanti is a phenomenal player who stands out in the forward line while showing her agility and composure with the ball,” Hargrave said.

“She has been a huge talent for us in the NT Thunder Academy, was selected for the Allies and I have no doubt she’ll be an asset for the Suns.

“Ashanti’s drafting is another demonstration of the investment the Suns have in developing our Territory players and we’re thrilled our partnership is continuing to grow.”

Suns Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago said the club was thrilled to welcome Bush and strengthen its growing relationship with the NT.

“We’ve been watching Ashanti very closely over the last couple of years and are very excited to have her on board for next season,” Sessarago said. “The club has a very strong relationship with the NT through our Academy programs up in Darwin and it’s fantastic to have players like Ashanti make their way on to our AFLW list.

“We see great potential in Ashanti as a player who can strengthen our forward line and provide more of a dynamic mix for the season ahead.”

Bush is the 17th NT-affiliated player to be listed on an AFLW squad since the inaugural AFL Women’s Draft in 2016.

And is now following in the footsteps of fellow NT product Janet Baird who was drafted by the Suns last year.