GOLD Coast Suns Academy prospect Beau Addinsall is one of the most well credentialed Queenslanders in a stacked 2025 draft pool. The midfielder is renowned for his work rate and ability to win bulk possessions, as showcased across a range of representative levels over the last three years.

Addinsall burst onto the scene after taking out the Alan McLean Medal as Pool B MVP at the 2023 Under 16 National Championships. While overlooked for Allies selection last year, he went on to represent his state, and was best afield in the National Futures match on AFL Grand Final day with 34 disposals.

We spoke to Addinsall at the Queensland preseason testing event on Sunday.

>> AFL DRAFT: Northern Academy prospects pick their breakout contenders

PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Beau, can you recall some of your earliest footballing memories when you started to fall in love with the game?

BA: It’d be when I was about five or six years old, playing Under 6s for Burleigh Bombers. Dad played footy when he was younger too, so I fell in love with it that way.

Q: Have you had any key mentors along your journey?

BA: I reckon a big one was our Under 16 Suns coach, John Deitz. He’s been really good for my development. More off-field stuff rather than just actual gameplan coaching. He’s been really good. 

Q: Having won plenty of accolades so far, how do you think you’re set up to attack your top-age season?

BA: I feel like getting those sort of achievements helps put me in good stead for this year, but obviously it’s mainly about this year and going hard this year. 

>> NATIONAL CHAMPS: Why the 2025 Allies can repeat history

Q: How has your preseason been so far?

BA: It’s been good. I had a little hamstring injury which took me out of training for a few weeks, but I’m back now. It’s a good time to be back.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

BA: I’d say I work hard, my work rate is a real key to my game. And just consistency from week to week.

Q: Can you expand on a few more strengths, and the things you’re still looking to improve on?

BA: I’d say my clean hands and stoppage craft are things I pride myself on. And just getting to as many contests as I can, trying to win as much of the footy as possible. What I’m really working on this year is going from winning the ball on the inside to driving my legs to get to the outside and just be a bit more damaging that way.

Q: What kind of split do anticipate having between midfield and up forward?

BA: I’d say for the Academy games I’ll play predominantly as a mid. But then also trying to work on my forward craft and play a bit of deep forward as well. Maybe an 80-20 sort of split.

Q: Do you watch a lot of football?

BA: I watch heaps.

Q: Are you a Suns fan?

BA: Yeah, I go for the Suns.

Q: Is there a player you look up to or try to mould your game on?

BA: For sure. I reckon Sam Flanders is one I’ve been watching closely. I was lucky enough to do six weeks of preseason with the AFL boys this year, so I try to pick his brain a bit and see what he does.

>> AFL DRAFT: Race to #1 – Zeke Uwland

What kind of learnings have you taken from that experience and even playing a bit of VFL football? 

BA: It’s been really good just to see the professionalism and structure of being a professional athlete. Obviously I’ve looked up to these people as I’ve grown up so it’s just been really cool being able to train and play with them.

Q: What kind of goals have you set for the year?

BA: I want to have a really strong year with the Suns Academy. We’ve got a good team this year so I think we can go well from a team perspective. Individually I just want to play my best footy in the AFL Academy and hopefully Allies games.

Q: Are there any teammates you think we should look out for to have a big season?

BA: I really think Jai Murray‘s preseason and the way he plays, he can deliver some really high level footy – even at VFL level last year. So, him.