Lloyd Johnston signs new contract with the Gold Coast Suns

A young Territory talent has locked in a new contract at the Gold Coast Suns, following a big season that’s included a major role change. Read how excited he is for whats to come.

Territorian Lloyd Johnston has signed a two-year contract extension with the Suns, securing his spot on the Gold Coast list until the end of 2026.

The 19-year-old, who got his first taste of the club running water in their Darwin fixtures following a sensational debut NTFL season, has gone from strength to strength at the Suns.

The boy from Borroloola, a small town 1000km south-east of Darwin, was drafted to the Gold Coast in the 2022 season, after his Rising Star-winning season in the Top End.

He went on the make his debut in Round 23 of the 2023 season, and has since played five games at the top level including twice in Darwin.

Now he has committed to the club until at least the end of the 2026 season.

“It’s a great feeling, the club is awesome and the boys are awesome,” Johnston said.

“I love this club a lot, particularly because they were so accommodating to me when I had to go home in preseason for cultural reason for as long as I needed, and I fell in love with the club then.

Lloyd Johnston of the Suns celebrates kicking a goal during the round 11 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium, on May 25, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“They also have the two games every year back home in Darwin, it’s so good to get back there and show off in front of friends and family.”

Johnston spent most of his footy career playing in the back line, but in season 2024 under coach Damien Hardwick he has had a role change

His pace and leaping ability, that for a long time had him bearing down on opposition forwards, now is playing in his favour further forward where he can impact goals.

“It was a bit hard at first, they put me at wing and forward which I was a bit concerned about because I never played beyond the backline,” he said.

“But I got a lot of good support from the other forward blokes and they made it a lot easier to learn the structure, and now I’m loving it.”

The Suns are currently sitting 12th with an even record of eight wins and eight losses, and Johnston is part of the group’s young core eyeing a first ever finals campaign for the outfit.

Lloyd Johnston of the Suns celebrates kicking a goal during the round 11 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium, on May 25, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

But at a personal level he is most pleased with what he has accomplished in such a small space of time, and is looking forward to playing more games at the top level.

“It’s been a hell of ride this year to have done everything I have and I’m proud of myself for that,” he said.

“My goal now is to play as many games as possible and hopefully the next generation in Darwin can see me and realise they can drive toward their dream too.

“I can’t wait to keep wearing the Gold Coast Suns jumper for another two years and making my family proud whenever I walk onto the field.”

Suns national recruiting manager Kall Burns said the Territory product had improved dramatically since joining the AFL list.

“Lloyd came to us in 2022 as a raw prospect but with a lot of talent,” Burns said.

“What’s been most pleasing is seeing his commitment to bettering himself as a player, culminating in him earning an opportunity at AFL level late last year.

“The improvement we’ve seen over these two years has been substantial and we look forward to watching that continue in the coming years.”