The Gold Coast SUNS wish to inform that Jason Torney will conclude his role as Gold Coast SUNS Academy Manager after nine years with the Club and thank him for his contribution to growing the game across our many talent regions.

Torney has led the SUNS Academy from the beginning, establishing a program that has provided junior athletes from the Gold Coast, North Queensland, Northern Rivers and Darwin with a clear pathway to the elite level. 

Gold Coast SUNS General Manager Player Talent and Strategy, Craig Cameron, acknowledged the efforts of Torney in establishing the club’s talent programs.

“Since the Academy’s inception, 40 players have graduated and joined an AFL or AFLW, while the program has grown to over 800 participants throughout our regions,” Cameron said.

“Jason has overseen the bulk of this growth as well as implementing the successful SUNS’ Academy Awards.

“On behalf of the Club, I’d like to personally thank Jason for his contribution to the Gold Coast SUNS Talent Programs and wish him all the best for the future.” 

Cameron also took the opportunity to thank Julian Van Den Driest who had assisted the Academy in the past year.

“Julian joined the Club on secondment 12 months ago, when we needed to provide additional resources for the Gold Coast/Northern Rivers hub following a period of significant growth,” Cameron said.

“I’d like to formally recognise and thank Julian for his effort and contribution to the Gold Coast SUNS.”

Van Den Driest will head back to AFL Queensland to resume his previous role.