AFL 2024: Sam Clohesy signs new Gold Coast deal, Noah Anderson reveals moment Suns matured against Collingwood

This time last year, Sam Clohesy was plying his trade across halfback for in the VFL. Now, he’s one of the highest-rated wingman at the top level – and has a new contract to match.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Noah Anderson of the Suns celebrates winning the round 16 AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Collingwood Magpies at People First Stadium, on June 29, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

He’s the man in the pink boots who has taken the Gold Coast by storm.

Rising Sun Sam Clohesy has continued his remarkable rise from draft outcast to star AFL winger by signing a two-year contract extension to the end of 2026.

This time last year the 21 year old was plying his trade across halfback for Werribee in the VFL. Now he is among the highest rated wingers in the top tier – and only getting better.

Sam Clohesy has quickly become a fan favourite on the Gold Coast. Picture:Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It’s been absolutely amazing coming in and earning an AFL opportunity so early in my career,” said Clohesy, who has played every game since his debut in round 4 against GWS.

“Dimma has been great in identifying my strengths and giving me a really clear role which he has trusted me to fulfil each week.

“I’m incredibly thankful to the Suns for taking a chance on me and now want to do everything I can to help the team and continue to make an impact at AFL level.”

A former Suns Academy member whose time in the pathway system was cut short when his family returned to Victoria, Clohesy went undrafted in 2020-21 but refused to take no for an answer.

He readily admits he was not ready for the jump to AFL at the time. But after two years under former Sun Michael Barlow at Werribee, Clohesy morphed himself into one of the best young talents in the VFL.

All the while the 189cm smooth mover was never forgotten by Suns national recruiting manager Kall Burns, who kept tabs on him even after he left the club’s academy system.

When Clohesy starred for Werribee in its 2023 VFL grand final defeat to the Suns late last year, the club’s recruiting staff privately vowed to take him in the upcoming rookie draft should the opportunity present itself.

Clohesy has signed a two-year contract extension after locking down a wing role in Damien Hardwick’s system. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

And so after successfully adding a suite of four first round selections via its Suns Academy access, Gold Coast quietly included Clohesy in its haul via the rookie draft.

From a long way out Burns saw Clohesy as a perfect fit in Damien Hardwick’s system and the shrewd recruiting move immediately paid dividends.

“Sam has been a player we’ve continued to monitor since his time as a teenager in the Suns Academy and it’s been fantastic to see him take his opportunity and play regularly at AFL level this season,” Burns said.

“We’ve been impressed with what Sam’s been able to achieve so far and see him continuing to play an important role in our system in the years to come.”

Clohesy broke the club record for most disposals on debut when he had 22 touches and goal against the Giants and has been a regular in Damien Hardwick’s side ever since.

His fresh two-year deal, just 12 games into his AFL career, testament to his seamless transition into the Suns’ ranks.

The moment which proved Suns are the real deal

It is the sliding doors moment that proved to Noah Anderson this Suns side is different to the ones that came before it.

When Nathan Kreuger kicked a go-ahead goal with six minutes remaining on Saturday night, Collingwood appeared destined to run over the top of a gallant Gold Coast.

But unlike previous years, where the Suns might have succumbed to the pressure, they instead rose to the challenge and responded with the final three goals of the match to clinch a season-defining 11-point win and keep their unbeaten home record intact.

Jordan de Goey and Nick Daicos kicked a pair of stunning individual goals to lift Collingwood off the canvas before Kreuger put the Magpies in front – but the Suns midfield refused to be overawed by the occasion.

Noah Anderson and Charlie Ballard at the final siren. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“To be honest we were really calm … there was very little stress,” Anderson recalled of the moments after the Krueger goal.

“There was a bit of a moment like, ‘Oh, we have to kick one (a goal) now’ but that’s just a game of footy for you.

“It shows we’ve come a fair way recently. I remember last year I spoke to (media) after Collingwood and we lost by 80 points. For the group to put in a performance like that, go down and then respond, is something I’m super proud of.”

Anderson led from the front with a game-high 39 disposals but it was a complete game from the Gold Coast engine room, just six days after it had its colours lowered against Fremantle in Perth.

Key to the Suns’ success on Saturday night was the return of Sam Flanders to the midfield rotation.

Flanders had been shifted to halfback earlier in the season as Damien Hardwick looked to solve a lack of damage from the defensive end and flourished as a running defender.

But it was as a midfielder that Flanders set the tone against Collingwood, compiling 22 disposals and five clearances in the first half to lay the platform for the stirring victory.

Anderson lauded Flanders’ ability to seamlessly transition back into the midfield mix.

Nick Daicos’ brilliance nearly won the game for Collingwood. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“He just slid right back in … pretty effortlessly, which is a credit to him,” Anderson said.

“To move to halfback to help the team and then to come back into the midfield and impact straight away is very impressive.

“He’s just really predictable with how he plays and you know what you’re going to get with him which is really impressive. He’s been super consistent all year.”

Flanders had a team-high 27 centre bounce attendances, releasing Touk Miller to split his time between midfield and half-forward which produced nine score involvements for the Suns’ co-captain.

Flanders’ balanced inside-outside game blended perfectly with the contested work of Matt Rowell and run and carry class of Anderson.

“He probably sits in the middle,” Anderson said.

“His contested game is really good. He has really fast feet, similar to Touk. He moves really well and his high speed numbers are off the charts so he can run all day as well.”

It was a bold call from Hardwick to take from a position of strength at halfback to bolster his midfield after a down few weeks, but it paid massive dividends in a win that could set the Suns up for a run at the top eight.

Sam Flanders’ move back to the midfield was key to the Suns’ victory. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

But the big stumbling block this season has been taking the home from on the road.

Still winless away from home, the Suns have a gilt edged opportunity to end the drought when they play North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

Anderson said he had “a lot of trust” in his and the team’s preparation for away games and that the pendulum would soon swing the other way.

“It’s a funny one. Sometimes you can look too far into things. I know what works for me so I’m going to stick to that and just know the results will turn in our favour if we do the work.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Sam Clohesy signs new Gold Coast deal, Noah Anderson reveals moment Suns matured against Collingwood