If you thought the influx of gun Gold Coast Academy kids was over, think again.
The sport of Aussie Rules is expanding rapidly in Queensland and as a result there is plenty of quality in the talent pool.
We saw that last year when the Suns drafted Academy prospects Jed Walter (Pick 3), Ethan Read (Pick 9), Jake Rogers (Pick 14) and Will Graham (Pick 26) in a homegrown haul.
In 2024, there is more Suns Academy talent on the horizon with the likes of Leonardo Lombard and Lachlan Gulbin who will be pressing their respective draft cases in 2024.
The wider footy public will be aware of Lombard after his contributions to Gold Coast’s VFL premiership last season.
Former Suns Academy senior assistant Mark Pitura has an intimate knowledge of the environment and has provided a strong insight into Queensland’s northern exposure.
“There’s a couple of key players to keep an eye on within the Suns Academy,” Pitura said on SEN’s Future Stars.
“The Academy is really strong. The key here is the depth.
“There are more boys that the Suns will really look at hopefully drafting this year.
“One of those is Leo Lombard who was a VFL premiership player last year as a 16-year-old. He’ll be a high draft pick in my opinion.
“He’s also the son of Hector Lombard who was a UFC star many years ago.”
Of the 2024 crop, Pitura is expecting Lombard to have the most success at AFL level due to his hard-working traits.
“With Leo, his work ethic, his mindset, his ability to compete at the highest level (will set him apart),” he added.
“He’s a quiet guy but tenacious, hard working and he would be my pick of the bunch.”
In 2025 it only gets better for the Suns.
The burgeoning south east Queensland catchment, particularly around the Gold Coast area, is set to produce even more Suns Academy guns.
Zeke Uwland, Beau Addinsall and Jai Murray are all set to catch the eye in 2024 as they continue their journey towards next year’s draft.
“One player I like is a boy called Zeke Uwland. He’s the brother of Bodhi who plays at the Suns at the moment,” Pitura said of next year’s group.
“He’s a left footer, finds the footy well, and is one to watch for next year.
“As a 15-year-old he had 38 touches in the Under-16 National Championships game, so he’s one to keep an eye on.
“Another one is Beau Addinsall and the third one is Jai Murray.
“All three boys were Burleigh Bombers juniors and were back-to-back Under-15 and 16 All-Australian players.
“So good times ahead for Gold Coast.”
Then there is Kalani White, the Melbourne father-son prospect.
The 200cm offspring of former Demons ruckman Jeff White is another Suns Academy product who has a significant decision to make on his future - whether to choose the Dees or the Suns.
“The best thing for Kalani is he’s got an option on where he’d like to go,” said Pitura of the
“He’s been within the Suns Academy environment for the last couple of years, he’s also gone down to the Melbourne Academy over the last couple of years.
“It will be interesting to see the decision Jeff and Kalani make. He’s pretty settled here on the Gold Coast, but you never know what might happen.”
It’s safe to say that the future of football in Queensland is in fairly good hands right now.
The participation numbers are remarkable and the talent pathways are filling up with emerging youngsters ready to step into the AFL system.
Damien Hardwick has already debuted Walter, Read and Graham debut in 2024, and there’ll be more “brand new toys” for him to play with next year and beyond.