The Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to announce that Sean Lemmens has extended his contract with the club for a further three years.
Lemmens, 23, told SUNS TV that he was thrilled to extend his contract with the club through until the end of 2021 AFL season.
“I’m very excited, it’s good to be around the club for another few years, we’re building something very special and it’s great to be a part of it," he said.
“Having Stuey [Stuart Dew] come on board this year it’s been awesome, the family culture he brings and the awareness around family and how much he cares about you, is definitely a standout and that’s the biggest reason why I stayed.”
Lemmens has had a frustrating start to the 2018 season, suffering a hamstring injury during the JLT pre-season competition and then required surgery to repair a fractured wrist, however Lemmens remained optimistic.
“Obviously I’ve been pretty unlucky with injuries so far this year but that happens to everyone.”
Taken with selection 27 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, Lemmens has become an integral part of the club over the past five seasons, amassing 69 games.
General Manager List & Strategy Craig Cameron said that although yet to feature in 2018 due to injury, Lemmens had impressed him and new Senior Coach Stuart Dew with his work rate and eagerness to learn.
“Sean is the type of player you’d love to have as part of any side,” said Cameron.
“He’s a great character, really professional, eager to learn and work hard.
“We’re thrilled that Sean can see what we’re trying to build and has committed to the club long term.”
Lemmens was at Metricon Stadium on Friday to launch the GC SUNS 2018 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Indigenous Guernsey, designed by local Yugambeh man Luther Cora.
Cora has played an integral role in generating awareness and educating SUNS players and staff about local Aboriginal & Torres Straight Island culture since the club’s establishment and said he looked to incorporate elements of both cultures in the 2018 Guernsey.
Traditional Aboriginal artwork covers the entire jumper with the traditional headwear of the Torres Straight Island people, The Dhari, featured on the back of the jumper.
“The design remains true to our home the Gold Coast and uses elements of our land through a silhouette of a warrior looking out over to Mount Warning or Wullumbin on the back and looking over our players,” Cora said.
“On the front the Mibbin or Eagle and Mullet fish are depicted for their important cultural significance to our coastal region.”
“This jumper represents our players through their totems and peoples name on the back. I also wanted to pay respect to all past and present players by having their names on the collar.”
“I loved designing this year’s Guernsey because I know how much it means to the players and how they honour the opportunity to represent our culture.”
