Tasmanian defender Avery Thomas reveals Gold Coast Suns backline plans
As he prepares for the first steps in his AFL career, Tasmanian and new Gold Coast Sun Avery Thomas has revealed the teammate he’s looking forward to playing with and why he’s excited to live with coach Damien Hardwick.
Tasmanian football’s rising star Avery Thomas sees himself as a rebound weapon for Gold Coast and wants to join forces with superstar defender Mac Andrew in the Suns back half.
Thomas, 18, of Launceston, was snapped up by the Suns at pick 28 in the AFL Draft on Thursday night and starts his new life on the Gold Coast from Saturday when he packs his bags for Queensland.
Thomas’ phone has run hot with wellwishers since he was drafted.
“It’s unreal – I’m still in disbelief and shocked about it,” Thomas said.
The teen machine only knows one person at the club.
“I met Mac Andrew through a multicultural event, so I know Mac,” he said.
“He’ll be a super-cool dude to learn from, and someone I can look up to and work off.”
Like every other recruit, Thomas is aiming for an AFL debut in 2026.
“I feel like I can slot into their backline and play off half-back, or I can switch between half-back and being a key backman in their backline,” he said.
Thomas hasn’t met Damien Hardwick but he will be living with the Gold Coast coach.
“I’ll meet ‘Dimma’ on Saturday, and I’m living with him up there – that’s so cool,” Thomas said.
“It will be great to make a connection with the coach straight off the bat.”
After meetings with their recruiting team several times, Thomas knew the Suns were hot for him but he had no idea they would call his name.
Clubs like Richmond, Carlton and Sydney had also shown strong interest in the under-18 Devils’ defensive ace.
“I knew the Suns were super-keen on me but they weren’t sure if they would get the pick for me,” he said.
“Luckily there were able to trade up, I was still on the board, and that’s how it happened.”
Suns recruiting manager Kall Burns said Thomas had impressed with his speed and agility.
“Avery is an incredibly versatile player with an impressive combination of traits and skills that we believe will add great value to our squad,” Burns said.
“We believe he complements our other trade and draft acquisitions.
“We’re thrilled for him to earn this opportunity with our club and excited to see him develop and grow under Damien Hardwick.”
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