Suns lock away unicorn Ethan Read to become first 2023 draftee to extend their contract

The first member of the 2023 draft class has put pen to paper to extend their deal, with the Suns locking away a key position prospect for two more years.

Suns utility Ethan Read has signed an extension on his contract to keep him on the Gold Coast until 2028. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Exciting Gold Coast key forward Ethan Read has signed a two-year contract extension that will tie him to his hometown club until the end of 2028.

The club needed only a three-game sample size to know the 202cm key position prospect was a player for the now and the future under coach Damien Hardwick, moving swiftly to lock down the Suns Academy graduate beyond his current deal.

Read, 18, becomes the first top 20 player from last year’s draft to extend beyond the initial three-year mandated contract.

“The Gold Coast Suns have been my home since I was 13 and I’ve loved my time through the Academy and the start of my AFL career with the club.” Read said.

“I’ve got my best mates around me every day and an amazing playing and coaching group that I’m loving being involved with.

Suns utility Ethan Read has signed an extension on his contract to keep him on the Gold Coast until 2028. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“I was really keen to secure my long-term future with the Suns and focus on doing everything I can to help us win games of football and build a formidable team for years to come.”

Blessed with a skill set like few big men in the game, Read profiles as a player capable of playing across all three lines and has Hardwick rubbing his hands with glee at what the future holds for the youngster out of Palm Beach Currumbin.

“Ethan is one of the great success stories from our Academy, possessing a very rare blend of height, power and athleticism which has already shone through in his few games at AFL level this year,” Suns list manager Craig Cameron said.

“We’re really excited by Ethan’s start to his career so far and what he can achieve in the next five years at the Suns.”

Read has started his career as a key forward, working in tandem with incumbent spearhead Ben King and fellow Suns Academy product Jed Walter.

He has booted three goals in as many outings after debuting in round 5 against the Giants in Adelaide.

Read was rested for last weekend’s clash with West Coast but could be in line for a recall to face Brisbane in the QClash on Sunday.

Ethan Read celebrates kicking a goal against Hawthorn. Picture: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

The Lions also moved to extend a promising young prospect on Wednesday, signing 20-year-old Shadeau Brain to a fresh two-year deal to the end of 2026.

The Lions Academy graduate joined the club as a Category B rookie at the end of 2022.

Though still untried at AFL level, the 183cm Brain has become a versatile piece in the Lions’ VFL side capable of playing both forward and in defence.

“Shadeau has worked very hard since joining our football program and as a result thoroughly deserves to be rewarded with a new contract,” Lions football boss Danny Daly said.

“He is a player with natural talent and a bit of x-factor who has shown some promising development in the 18 months he has been with us and we look forward to what is ahead for Shadeau.

The Noosa product has averaged 16 disposals and 7 marks in the VFL this season after an injury interrupted 2023.

“I left no stone unturned to make sure I gave myself the best chance of having a really solid season and feel I came back and ticked a lot of the boxes,” Brain said.

“I hope my story helps other young boys and girls coming through the AFL Queensland pathway that you can get to the top level.”

Originally published as Suns lock away unicorn Ethan Read to become first 2023 draftee to extend their contract