GOLD Coast’s 2024 AFL Draft effort was dictated by an incumbent early bid for one of its Academy stars, who stole much of the limelight across the three-day intake. Although, the Suns brought in four more fresh faces as they continue to work towards a breakthrough finals appearance.

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DRAFT HAUL

National Draft:

9. Leo Lombard (Academy, matched St Kilda’s bid)
49. Cooper Bell (GWS Academy, bid not matched)

Rookie Draft:

4. Max Knobel (Fremantle)
17. Asher Eastham
Cat B. Lachlan Gulbin

>> CLICK each player’s names for full profiles & highlights

One Academy star was always going to land at Carrara, and the Suns had manipulated their draft hand in anticipation of an early bid. That star, or Sun was Leo Lombard. The competitive and powerful midfielder has long been Gold Coast’s top prospect for this year, and a standout in the Queensland pathway.

Having played in the Suns’ 2023 VFL premiership, Lombard has noted senior experience. He produced more moments of magic at state league level in 2024 and gave a sighted as to where he may fit in at the next level, potentially as a high pressure forward who can eventually roll into midfield.

The engine room is where Lombard shone as a junior. His explosive speed and combative nature make him difficult to stop both on the inside and when running in waves on the outer. His decorated junior career ended with a Larke Medal and he is already well adjusted to the Suns’ system.

Another Northern Academy graduate was next in the door, only one from another program. Greater Western Sydney had flagged to other clubs that Belconnen native Cooper Bell would be available via the National Draft, so Gold Coast pounced with a bid at pick 49 which was duly unmatched.

Bell offers a great deal of upside with his raw athleticism and versatility at 199cm. He found a home down back in Allies colours during the National Championships, but started out up forward for the Giants Academy and posted a haul of seven goals in his first AFL Canberra First Grade game for the year.

There is no real limit as to what type of player Bell could develop into. He is adept and competitive at either end of the ground, while also having the height and hops to pinch-hit in the ruck. There remain elements to work on, but if developed the right way he is an exciting proposition.

With only two selections made in the National Draft, Gold Coast made three more in the rookie intake – including the shock of the afternoon. The Suns took advantage of the delist/relist loophole Fremantle looked to exploit, jumping in ahead of the Dockers to nab developing ruck Max Knobel.

The Suns then made another live pick in Gippsland Power utility Asher Eastham, whose aerial ability is promising both up forward and in defence. Academy product Lachlan Gulbin was also added to the Category B rookie list after making 10 VFL appearances this season.

Gulbin, who was overlooked for Allies selection, is a forward whose pressure game and team-first approach proved desirable to the Suns’ system. Southport defender Ben Jepson and the delisted Hewago Oea will train with the club in hopes of being signed during the supplemental selection period.