GOLD COAST STUNS

AFL club’s seniors aren’t only ones shocking rivals

THE Suns’ history-making teens have outlined the growing strength of Gold Coast footy by stunning southern powerhouse clubs and racing to the top of the NAB League.

On the back of the unlikely strong start to the AFL season, Gold Coast’s kids are keeping the momentum going in an under-18 competition that has long been a breeding ground for superstars at the top level.

The unbeaten Suns will create more history this weekend when they venture to Melbourne for the first time since they were elevated to the league.

Under the previous format, the Suns played in an under-18 academy series that included the Northern Territory, Sydney, GWS and Brisbane.

Gold Coast’s NAB League wins so far have been against Northern Territory, Brisbane and Oakleigh.

“It’s great to be able to expose the players as much as we can to the southern sides,” coach Andrew Raines said.

“We are showing we can match it against any program in Australia.

“To be able to expose the players to a really high level, we are seeing a huge change without our program.”

Raines said the biggest challenge yet awaits on Saturday in the form of Eastern Ranges. The two sides will meet at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

“It’s pretty exciting. We will make the trip Friday and expose the boys to the Melbourne environment,” he said.

“When we played Oakleigh we had a good win but they had around eight or nine of their best out due to the Victoria Metro trials.”

■ The Suns have been granted two AFLW priority picks for the draft after filling 10 of 12 spots available in last week’s trade and signing period. Gold Coast now have seven picks: 18, 22 (priority), 38, 42 (priority), 57, 69 and 87.