GOLD Coast SUNS Academy utility Alannah Welsh is a promising talent and one of a number of Queenslanders in first round draft contention for 2025. The dynamic draft prospect can play on all three lines, kicking bags of goals up forward, or cracking in be it on-ball or across the defensive 50.

We spoke to the top-age prospect at the recent Queensland Preseason Testing Day about her footballing journey, where she enjoys playing the most, and what her goals are for the year ahead.

Q: Alannah, tell me a little bit about your earliest footballing memory and fall in love with the game?

AW: “Just at Coolangatta where my brother used to play. I started with the boys, my brother was just kicking a footy so I went out and kicked the footy as well, and loved it.”

Q: How long have you been with the Suns Academy?

AW: “Probably since I was 13/14 I’d say.”

Q” Have you had many key mentors along the way?

AW: “Throughout my Queensland and Under 15s I had Jo (Butland), she was really good as a coach. Shawry’s (Rhyce Shaw) been really good mentoring me this year, I’ve already learnt a lot in the little time I’ve had with him.”

Q: Have you got to link up with the senior girls and taken some learnings from them?

AW: “Yeah I’ve joined in a few AFLW sessions last year and the way they go about it and the intensity they bring to training is something I try to bring to our group for the younger girls.”

Q: In terms of the programs you’ve been part of representative wise, how’s that been for you?

AW: “It’s pretty special. I’ve just loved playing footy so any time I can pull on any jersey I’m having fun.”

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

AW: “Hard working, very determined, a good teammate.”

Q: Do you have key strengths in your game that you really like to show when you’re on the field?

AW: “I’m a forward at heart, so I love playing forward. Just being able to kick goals from anywhere on the field I reckon is one of my biggest strengths and my work rate around the ground.”

Q: Are you expecting to play mostly forward this year or move up the ground?

AW: “I reckon I’m looking to play a bit of everywhere. All three positions. But forwardline is probably going to be the main one, then obviously getting some midfield minutes.”

Q: What are the key things you’re looking to work on at the moment?

AW: “Obviously hitting my shorter kicks and working through to the next ones. It’s just those one-twos.”

Q: Do you watch a lot of footy?

AW: “All the time.”

Q: Are you a Suns supporter?

AW: “Nah, Hawthorn, so I love Ginni (Jack Ginnivan), Nick Watson. I grew up loving Cyril (Rioli), that’s the main one, that’s why I love forward so much.”

Q: Is there a player you try to mould your own game on?

AW: “I like the way Jas Garner goes about it, playing forward kicking goals but also getting through the midfield a bit. From the men’s it would definitely be people like Cyril or Ginni or someone like that who’s just a sneak around goals. It’s what I do.”

Q: Any big celebrations?

AW: “I did a few last year, but I would just have to see what comes I guess.”

Q: What are your goals for the year and key landmarks you want to tick off?

AW: “Obviously pulling on the Australian guernsey soon is pretty cool. Getting drafted is a pretty big one, but developing as a player and a person and making sure I’m ready to step into an AFLW team and have a go at getting a fair few games.”

Q: Being a National Draft, are you set on being a Gold Coast Sun or are you happy to go anywhere?

AW: “I love my lifestyle on my Gold Coast, but I’m definitely open to wherever. I love travelling, so we’ll see where it takes me.”