NEW SUN SHOWS PRIDE IN LIONS
Draftee Graham hails clubs
AFL Cairns draftee Caleb Graham has hailed the influence of QAFL heavyweights Palm Beach Currumbin as he eyes a spot in Gold Coast’s young backline.
After moving to Palm Beach from Cairns at the start of 2017, Graham’s two-season stint with the Lions – highlighted by back-to-back premierships – officially came to an end last month when he was taken by the Suns with pick 71 in the AFL Draft.
The 18-year-old, the only one of Suns’ five draftees to graduate from the club’s academy, said he would be forever grateful to the Lions for their role in his formative years.
“I won a flag with the Lions this year and last year, which was unreal,” the former Palm Beach Currumbin State High student said.
“I did a pre-season here (at the Suns) at the end of last year and I’ve been able to play NEAFL for the past two years as well so I know most of the boys and … feel like I will fit in pretty well.
“This year I played multiple positions. I started down back then in the (under-18) Allies I went up forward and then came to the NEAFL and played forward-ruck so I was around everywhere.
“I like to play down back, that’s where I’m most comfortable but wherever I’m needed that’s where I’ll play.
“Hopefully the team stays healthy but I’d love to get a crack in the ones (in 2019), that’s the dream to play AFL footy. I’m not expecting it but really, really hoping to.”
Graham admitted there were anxious moments at the draft as he waited to learn his fate.
“It was a rollercoaster of emotions (because it was) starting to get late in the draft and a lot of teams were passing so I thought maybe the Suns will do the same. To have my name read out in the national draft was unreal, a dream come true really,” he said.