The 18-year old will this year play with SANFL club South Adelaide after missing out on last year’s AFL draft before joining the GCFC squad later this year.

A 195cm defender, Gugliotta will train under GCFC coach Guy McKenna in preparation for the 2010 season, in which the club will participate in VFL competition, before joining the AFL in 2011.

GCFC Recruiting Manager Scott Clayton said Gugliotta was unlucky to miss out on the 2009 draft and will benefit from a year of senior football with the Panthers.

“Michael is a very athletic player for his size and he will continue to develop as he enters a full training program firstly with South then with the new GCFC team,” he said.

“We are delighted that Michael has agreed to join us and be part of the Gold Coast Football Club journey to AFL in 2011. He will be given every opportunity to develop into a first class player in our elite training program and under the instruction of Guy McKenna and his team.”