Will Bella, from Bakers Creek Tigers, was invited to AFL draft combine

The 18-year-old key forward from Bakers Creek Tigers, is one step closer to realising his AFL dream.

Will Bella for the Gold Coast Suns Academy. Picture: Contributed

A Bakers Creek Tiger has the chance to follow his sister onto a Gold Coast Suns list and become the first Mackay-born AFL player since David Armitage retired.

Will Bella, the 18-year-old brother to Gold Coast AFLW star Lauren Bella, has been invited to the draft combine at the end of September.

Will Bella for the Bakers Creek Tigers. Picture: Contributed

Bella, who moved to the Gold Coast as a member of its Academy, is a powerful key forward who models his game on Port Adelaide superstar Charlie Dixon.

Listed at 194cm and 102kg, Bella is a strong presence in the forward 50 with a straight set shot and clean hands.

Gold Coast Academy head coach Andrew Raines said Bella had continued to improve since moving south permanently.

“Will has shown great improvement in his game since relocating to the Gold Coast full-time,” he said.

William Bella of the Suns releases the ball during the VFL Round 15 match between the Aspley Hornets and the Gold Coast Suns at Graham Road Oval on July 24, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Russell Freeman

“He’s played a lot of VFL football for the Suns this year and has shown the attributes to success at the next level as a key forward or ruck.

“It’s a credit to the work our Suns Academy do up in Mackay to see players like Will develop through the pathways and give themselves the best chance to be drafted into the AFL.”

Lauren Bella, Will’s sister, is a key member of the Gold Coast Suns AFLW team. Picture: Kelly Defina

Originally published as Will Bella, from Bakers Creek Tigers, was invited to AFL draft combine