Ethan Read has joined the SUNS AFL list after the club matched a bid from Geelong on the exciting ruckman with Pick 9 in the 2023 AFL Draft.
A SUNS Academy product, Read is a mobile and skillful ruckman whose work rate and ball use are outstanding features of his game, along with his aggressive work at stoppages.
Gold Coast SUNS National Recruiting Manager Kall Burns said Read brought a point-of-difference to the ruck position.
“Ethan has been in our Academy since he was 13 and has shown some remarkable attributes which will translate well at AFL level,” Burns said.
“He has physicality and height, but what is most exciting is his elite running ability which is more akin to a midfielder, as well as his excellent skills and ball-use.
“Ethan has worked extremely hard to get to where he is today with the help of Palm Beach Currumbin and we can’t wait to see what he brings to our AFL program next year and beyond.”
Read was a dominant force for the title-winning Allies at the National Championships this year, earning All Australian honours in the process in the ruck position.
He had a massive impact on all four games, averaging 21.5 disposals at 76 percent efficiency, 7.5 marks and 13 hitouts per game.
Read’s time of 5:56 seconds for the 2km time trial at the national Draft Combine was sensational for any player, much more so for one of his height.
Read also won the Hunter Harrison Medal for his performances with the Gold Coast SUNS Academy in 2023, which is presented to the best performed player from the non-Victorian Academy teams who compete in a selection of matches in the Coates Talent League.
Ethan Read
State: Queensland
State League Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy
Community Club: Palm Beach Currumbin
Date of Birth 07/07/05
Height: 202cm
