Have the Suns just found the next big AFL hope?
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THE Suns’ NEAFL season continues to improve, with emerging academy member Hewago Paul Oea outlining that form reversal.
After a disappointing start to the season, Gold Coast’s second-tier side have found form in recent weeks, coinciding with back-to-back Rising Star nominations.
A week after Fitzroy Greenwool’s nod, Oea – nicknamed “Ace” – last night earned his own nomination after his impressive showing against Aspley on Saturday.
The 17-year-old small forward collected 19 disposals, laid six tackles and booted two goals in the Suns’ 29point win over the Hornets at Voxson Oval.
Oea’s journey from Papua New Guinea to the Suns academy is an inspiration.
He first played football in the Port Moresby youth school competition at 13 where he was spotted by AFL PNG development staff, who then encouraged him to join an AFL PNG Talent ID carnival.
It was at this tournament where AFL South Pacific development manager Ben Drew first saw him in action and together they guided the young talent through the next chapter of his journey.
Oea caught the eye of Suns officials when he kicked five goals in a Queensland Under-16 State Championships match in 2017, and became the first PNG player to be selected in the NAB AFL Academy as a result.
Hailing from Gordon in Port Moresby, Oea officially joined the Suns academy last year on a two-year international scholarship. He made his NEAFL debut last season, drawing praise for his speed, endurance and work ethic.
His nomination comes after Gold Coast won their first NAB AFL Academy Series last week, with Oea in the initial Allies squad.
The Rising Star is awarded to the most promising young talent in the competition.
Nominees must be under the age of 21 and have played less than 20 senior games.