Emerging wingman Sam Clohesy has signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the Gold Coast SUNS until at least the end of 2026.

Clohesy, a former SUNS Academy representative in his junior years, was drafted as a mature-age rookie out of Werribee with pick 4 in the 2023 Rookie Draft.

The 21-year-old immediately impressed in new Senior Coach Damien Hardwick’s system, making his AFL debut in Round 4 and going on to play 12 games so far in 2024.

Clohesy said it has been a whirlwind first year and he was excited to remain with the SUNS for an additional two years.

“It’s been absolutely amazing coming in and earning an AFL opportunity so early in my career,” Clohesy said.

“Dimma has been great in identifying my strengths and giving me a really clear role which he has trusted me to fulfill each week.

“I’m incredibly thankful to the SUNS for taking a chance on me and now want to do everything I can to help the team and continue to make an impact at AFL level.”

GC SUNS National Recruiting Manager Kall Burns said the club was thrilled to see Sam make an immediate impact in 2024.

“Sam has been a player we’ve continued to monitor since his time as a teenager in the SUNS Academy and it’s been fantastic to see him take his opportunity and play regularly at AFL level this season,” Burns said.

“We’ve been impressed with what Sam’s been able to achieve so far and see him continuing to play an important role in our system in the years to come.”

Clohesy spent three years in the Gold Coast SUNS Academy as a junior, also playing for Coolangatta Blues, before relocating to Melbourne with his family when he was 16.

He played for Werribee against the SUNS in the 2023 VFL Grand Final, and earlier this year broke a record with his 22 disposals on debut being the most by any SUN in their first AFL game.