Just a matter of days after becoming one of the newest GC SUNS players, young talent Sienna McMullen already knew which of her new teammates she’ll be keenly watching at training.

McMullen was taken with Pick 51 in the 2023 AFLW Draft, joining the SUNS as an Academy graduate alongside fellow Burleigh Bombers junior Kiara Bischa, Territorian Annabel Kievit, Coorparoo’s Taya Oliver and Bendigo young gun Keely Fullerton.

The 18-year-old, originally from New South Wales, says she admires the game of the defending Club Champion.

“I’m an outside player but I do really look up to Claudia Whitfort. I like her power, her ball use in the game is really inspiring so I’d like to match up to that later in my career,” McMullen said.

The selection at the draft capped a big year for McMullen who also graduated from Varsity College just a matter of weeks prior.

“It’s been a pretty busy year for me - graduating and trying to get into the AFLW Draft,” McMullen continued.

“With footy and school mixing in together, it’s definitely been busy but I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it.”

McMullen and Bischa are the latest Burleigh Bombers juniors to move on to the SUNS AFLW list, also joining fellow young Bomber Lucy Single.

Fittingly, McMullen heard her name read out alongside family and friends overlooking her junior club’s oval.

“The whole experience was amazing. I had family flying up from Sydney, all my friends and the people who have supported me were around me. It just made it so much better being able to celebrate with everyone, knowing all that hard work got me here.

“Your junior club is the starting point for everyone I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I’m really grateful for everyone at Burleigh as they’ve supported me all the way.”

McMullen will join her new teammates early in 2024 in preparation for AFLW Season Nine.