Gold Coast SUNS Strike Gold with Four Local Academy Stars on Draft Night
The Gold Coast SUNS have pulled off something special at the 2025 AFL Draft, securing four homegrown talents from their StreetSmarts Academy in a stunning display of local development paying dividends.
Zeke Uwland (Pick 2), Dylan Patterson (Pick 5), Jai Murray (Pick 17), and Beau Addinsall (Pick 18) all had their names called on Wednesday night, with the SUNS matching bids to keep these local products at their hometown club.
This haul represents more than just draft picks. It's a validation of the Academy system and a massive injection of young talent that understands what it means to wear the SUNS gurnsey.
The Crown Jewel: Zeke Uwland
Uwland's selection at Pick 2 makes him the highest-drafted male Academy graduate in SUNS history, surpassing Jed Walter's Pick 3 from 2023. Despite battling injuries throughout 2025, the Burleigh Bombers product brings elite running capacity and exceptional skills that had him named in the Under 18 All Australian team as a bottom-ager in 2024.
Zeke joins older brother Bodhi on the list, potentially becoming just the second pair of brothers to play together for the SUNS after Gary Ablett Jr and Nathan Ablett. His clean disposal and work ethic suggest he'll push for senior selection sooner rather than later, particularly given his four VFL games late in 2025, where he averaged 16.5 touches.
The Game Breaker: Dylan Patterson
Patterson at Pick 5 gives the SUNS something they've been crying out for. Genuine line-breaking pace. The Palm Beach Currumbin product isn't just fast, he's explosively fast with the daring to match. His 11 VFL games across two seasons, including a 24-disposal effort recently, show he's ready for the physicality of AFL football.
Deployed as a half-back, Patterson offers Damien Hardwick the perfect weapon to launch counterattacks. His back-to-back All Australian selections at Under 16 and Under 18 levels speak to consistent excellence. Expect him to feature early in 2026 as the SUNS look to weaponise their transition game.
The Swiss Army Knife: Jai Murray
Murray's versatility across midfield and defence makes him exactly the type of player modern AFL coaches love. His 2024 Coates Talent League numbers are eye-catching, with 23 disposals at 81% efficiency. That's not just accumulation, that's quality ball use.
While injuries disrupted his 2025, Murray's seven VFL games in 2024 showed he can handle senior bodies. His flexibility gives Hardwick options, whether that's lockdown defence, rebounding half-back, or even pushing into the midfield rotation. He's the type of player who might not grab headlines but wins you games.
The Accumulator: Beau Addinsall
Addinsall's numbers jump off the page with 32 disposals and 7.7 clearances per game in the Coates Talent League. This Burleigh Bombers and Broadbeach product is a pure footballer who finds the ball and uses it well. His five VFL games late in 2025 show he's physically ready for the next level.
What sets Addinsall apart is his leadership. As part of the Academy leadership group in 2025, he brings maturity beyond his years. His aerobic capacity means he can run all day, perfect for Hardwick's high-intensity game style.
What This Means for the SUNS
Four first-round Academy selections aren’t just good drafting, it's a cultural victory. These boys grew up watching the SUNS, dreaming of wearing the red and gold. They understand the Gold Coast lifestyle, the supporter base, and what this club means to the region.
From a list management perspective, this draft addresses multiple needs. Uwland and Addinsall boost midfield depth and class. Patterson provides desperately needed pace off half-back. Murray offers flexibility across multiple positions. All four can run, which fits perfectly with Hardwick's game plan.
The Burleigh Bombers connection (Uwland, Murray, Addinsall) and Palm Beach Currumbin link (Patterson) also strengthens community ties. These aren't mercenaries or interstate recruits who might get homesick. They're Gold Coast boys who want to be here.
Most importantly, this draft shows that the Academy system works. After years of investment and development, the SUNS are reaping rewards with genuine first-round talent choosing to stay home. That's a selling point for future Academy prospects and their families.
The 2026 season suddenly looks a lot brighter with these four young guns ready to contribute. While they won't transform the team overnight, they represent the next wave of a SUNS revival. Combined with the expected Christian Petracca acquisition and existing young talent, the pieces are falling into place for something special on the Gold Coast.