Territorian Lloyd Johnston makes AFL debut for Gold Coast Suns

Territorian Lloyd Johnston has described running out for the Gold Coast Suns as one of the best ever feelings. Read about his AFL debut experience.

The Territory’s own Lloyd Johnston has called running out with the Gold Coast Suns for his AFL debut was one of the “best feelings” he has ever had.

The 2021-22 NTFL Rising Star playing for Wanderers has had a meteoric rise over the past three years earning selection in the 2022 NT rep side before being drafted by the Suns.

And after a big season in the Suns’ finals bound VFL side Johnston got his chance at the top level against Carlton, in a match Gold Coast narrowly lost 13.13 (91) to 13.9 (87).

The 18-year-old rebounding defender from Borroloola got right to work in the time he had making eight disposals and two tackles against the bigger bodies in the AFL.

“Running out at the highest level with all those boys was one of the best feelings that could ever happen to me,” he said.

“I thought the game was going to be very fast, but after the first 10 minutes I started to get some confidence to just play my natural game and try to take the game on when I got my opportunity.

“It’s been a dream of mine for many years and I was so proud to represent my family and community on the field.”

Lloyd Johnston of the Suns in action during the 2023 AFL Round 23 match between the Gold Coast SUNS and Carlton. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

And it’s an experience he will take with him, not only to the VFL finals but also onwards into seasons to come where he is expected to get more chances at the top level under new coach Damien Hardwick.

He has played 16 VFL matches in 2023 averaging 16 disposals and four marks a game at the secondary level.

“Anything is possible, I just worked so hard this year to keep proving to the coaches that I was improving so I could get my shot,” he said.

“Having my family come up for the game was so good – they make me so happy and to perform at the highest level in front of them was an amazing honour for me.

“I know what the level is like now. I’m going to keep training as hard as I can and doing everything I can to try to play as many AFL games as possible.”

Lloyd Johnston of the Suns warms ahead of his AFL debut for the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Gold Coast interim coach Steven King said Johnston had more than earned his chance to play at the highest level of the game.

“We’ve been so impressed with Lloyd this year, he’s come so far and has developed into a young professional within our football club,” King said.

“His ability to learn, grow and retain information has improved tremendously across the season and he’s been able to improve in all facets of his game.

“Lloydy has 100 per cent earned this opportunity, he’s hungry to play and we can’t wait to see him run out this weekend for the first time with the AFL team.”