The Gold Coast Suns Academy entered the 2026 Coates Talent League Girls season with a younger and less experienced squad compared to previous years, having promoted a massive number of athletes to their AFLW squad in 2025. Despite the turnover, the Suns Academy showcased a resilient and developing group, unearthing some of the most exciting bottom-age talent in the country.

2026 Season Recap

The Suns Academy faced a challenging fixture against fellow Northern Academies and Victorian regions. Their season was characterised by competitive performances, a dominant victory over the Northern Knights, and the emergence of their next generation of stars.

Standout Draft-Eligible Players (2026 AFLW Draft)

The Suns Academy boasts several top-age and over-age prospects who have strengthened their cases for the 2026 AFLW Draft and the upcoming Preseason Draft.

Sienna Burnham
Midfielder | 162cm | 12/07/2007

An over-age prospect who had an injury-interrupted 2025, Burnham has been a revelation in 2026. A hard-running midfielder with elite endurance, she is a tenacious tackler and a smart reader of the play. Her standout performance came in Round 5 against Tasmania, where she laid an incredible 24 tackles in wet conditions, balancing her defensive intent with offensive ball-winning. Her ability to keep winning the ball and applying pressure makes her a compelling prospect.

Annabelle Foat
Midfielder/Defender | 164cm | 23/04/2007

Another over-ager, Foat is a reliable and unassuming player who makes those around her better. A natural inside midfielder who thrives on contested ball, she has shown adaptability by filling half-back and forward roles when required. She averaged 23.5 disposals in the early part of the season, working hard to support the defence and providing clean hands at the coalface . She is a readymade player who brings non-negotiables to the table.

Stephanie Aguinaldo
Midfielder/Defender | 170cm | 04/04/2008

Aguinaldo made the move from defence last year to play a more full-time midfield role in 2026, and she did not disappoint. Against the Swans Academy in Round 2, she was a standout with 29 disposals, seven clearances, and seven inside 50s . She is clean at ground level, strong when tackled, and provides excellent run and carry in transition. Her ability to take marks in traffic and distribute effectively makes her a top draft prospect.

Lilly-Ann Ryder
Tall Defender/Utility | 173cm | 24/04/2007

Ryder is an athletic tall defender who has added a new offensive dimension to her game in 2026. While she remains a reliable shutdown defender, she is now pushing higher up the ground, playing a high defensive line, and generating metres through transitional chains. Her athleticism gets her out of trouble, and her strong work behind the ball makes her a player AFLW clubs will be keeping close tabs on.

Sienna Clinch
Ruck | 182cm | 15/06/2008

The top-age ruck had plenty of influence around the stoppages throughout the season. She broke even with the highly-rated Amaia Wain in Round 2 and then dominated against Tasmania in Round 5, winning a massive 49 hitouts. Clinch utilises her nice jump, extra reach, and strength around the ground to get first hands to the ball, and her ruck craft and defensive follow-up work are major positives.

Others to Keep in Mind

Clearly on talent alone, Summer Browning is in the top two names alongside Aguinaldo, but the Suns Academy wing only had the one full game at the carnival. Her speed and skills standout and she will be primed for a huge national carnival with Queensland. Another over-ager in Amelia Ella had her big games, while Maddie Campbell was lively.

Future Stars to Watch

The Suns Academy’s future looks incredibly bright, led by a generational talent and a host of promising bottom-agers.

Lily Moana
Midfielder | 168cm | 23/03/2010

Moana is a genuine superstar of the future. After winning the Under 16 Championship best and fairest, the 16-year-old stepped up to the Under 18s and dominated. Against the Northern Knights, she collected 23 disposals, seven clearances, and 10 inside 50s, consistently turning centre clearances into direct goal assists . Her explosiveness, stoppage craft, and penetrating kick make her one of the most exciting long-term prospects in the country.

Allie Cameron
Midfielder/Forward | 161cm | 04/03/2009

Cameron is building a promising CV with her smarts and speed around the ball. She had a stack of contested ball in Round 1 against the Lions, laying nine tackles and winning six clearances. She ticked both offensive and defensive boxes against the Swans in Round 2, booting two goals and laying another nine tackles . She is not afraid to get her hands dirty and covers the ground exceptionally well.

Grace Cooper
Tall Forward | 177cm | 04/10/2009

Cooper provided a consistent threat inside 50, both in the air and at ground level. She kicked two goals against the Lions in Round 1 and made the most of her opportunities against Tasmania in Round 5, kicking back-to-back goals in the second term. She works up the ground, provides a strong target, and looks to be a promising forward for the Suns Academy next year.

Conclusion

The Gold Coast Suns Academy’s 2026 Talent League Girls campaign highlighted a resilient squad that successfully transitioned after a massive draft haul the previous year. With over-age players like Burnham and Foat proving their worth, two standout prospects in Aguinaldo and Browning and the breathtaking emergence of 16-year-old Moana, the Suns’ pathway program continues to be a powerhouse of talent development in Queensland. The Under 16s crop is as strong of a crop for any Academy in recent history.