THE GOLD Coast Suns Academy looks set to produce a crop which rivals that of 2023, which included four first round draftees. Among the prospects flying under the radar in a deep Queensland talent pool is Koby Coulson, a tough midfielder-forward who models his game on Matt Rowell.

After stress fractures scuppered his Under 16s year, Coulson showcased his talent as a bottom-ager with a particularly impressive outing for the Queensland Under 17s. He spent a portion of preseason training with the Suns’ senior group, and we caught up for a chat during the Queensland testing event.

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PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Koby, can you walk me through your footballing journey?

KC: I’ve played since I was five, started out doing Auskick stuff with Broadbeach Cats Juniors. Obviously just went through like the school system – South Coast, Queensland – did all that and it was around my 16th year where it really got serious, but I actually got injured. I got a stress fracture in my back. So I was out all my 16th year and then last year was my actual first full year doing footy. Now I got to do the preseason with the Suns, which was unreal. So yeah, it’s been a great journey.

Q: Have you had any important mentors along the way?

KC: A big one’s probably ‘Deitzy’, John Deitz. He’s been huge. Also Rhys Shaw, he’s been a huge mentor. Whenever I needed help on something I’d just give him a call and he’d help me.

Q: How’s your preseason been so far?

KC: It’s probably been my best preseason I’ve had numbers-wise, I’m pretty happy.  Strong, fit and keen for my 18th year.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

KC: I’d say I’m a tough at the contest player. Very versatile. Move around the ground really well.

Q: What are some things you’re looking to improve on?

KC: I’m always trying to work on my clean hands, just being a one-touch player. That’s probably a big one of mine, and also when I’m playing more of a forward role, getting more forward than defence because I’m more of a defence-type player. I like helping out the defence.

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Q: Do you watch a lot of football?

KC: Yeah, I watch most games throughout the weekend… I’m a Suns fan.

Q: Have any players from the senior group taken you under their wing?

KC: I’ve been really good mates at Wil Powell since I was like 12. He’s been a really big one. I go [for] coffee with him all the time, text him all the time, so he’s been a big mentor for me.

Q: What’s the connection there, how did you get to know him?

KC: I went on this camp, It was like a preseason camp to New Zealand with the Suns when I was 12 or so. I just clicked with him really well and we’ve been really good mates ever since.

Q: Are there any players you try to mould your game on?

KC: I try to mould my game a lot on Matt Rowell. I feel like just the way he’s tough at the contest, always fighting to get out. Tough tackler.

Q: Which teammates do you think we should look out for to have a big year?

KC: Cooper Collins and Max Hudson should have a good year. They’re two that haven’t really got that much notice, but they should have a big year.

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