Sun not setting on Gold Coast’s King as forward prepares to ink new deal
BEN King’s future at the Suns is virtually sealed with club powerbrokers of the belief a new deal is close.
King’s ACL injury has sent a shockwave through the club ahead of one of the biggest season’s in its history.
But any fears it could tip him towards the exit are non-existent within the four walls of the club.
Officials are confident a deal could be done before the 2022 AFL season, even with the likelihood of this week’s knee injury stalling discussions momentarily.
King has been vocal about his love for the Suns around the club’s Carrara base, openly speaking of his passion for the players, staff and city while discussing his commitment to them.
The final makeup of the contract hasn’t been finalised but King is looking at penning a two-year extension that will take him through to the end of the 2024 season.
King’s injury on Thursday left many shattered at Gold Coast as they prepare for a 2022 AFL campaign.
Stuart Dew is off contract at the end of the year, along with King, Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine while those in and outside of the club expect the team to challenge for finals.
Suns football performance manager Wayne Campbell said the club was putting enormous support around King after his injury.
“Unfortunately Ben’s ruptured his ACL in his right knee in a pretty simple marking contest that he’d been in many times before,” Campbell said.
“Ben’s going well, whenever someone goes down with an ACL it’s shattering for a start.
“He’s got a really strong family and we’ve got some really good support around him from the footy club, it’s not ideal by any stretch but we know Ben’s strength of character will see him attack the challenge in a positive manner.”