The world of AFL is full of high stakes, and the journey to make it to the draft is often filled with difficult challenges. The path can be unforgiving for many young athletes for them to succeed at the age of 18.

However, the story of Sam Clohesy is a tribute to the determination, perseverance, and belief that it’s never too late to make it.

Clohesy’s journey began in Victoria, where his passion for the game flourished. From a young age, he was known for his athleticism and versatility on the field. Joining the Streetsmarts Gold Coast SUNS Academy, Clohesy showed early signs of making himself a household name. 

Unfortunately, in 2021, Clohesy faced a setback for his future in the AFL. At the age of 18, he entered the NAB AFL Draft with hopes of being selected, but when the night came his name wasn’t called out.

Despite being disappointed, Clohesy turned his attention to developing his craft in the VFL, joining Werribee and succeeding there. He was acknowledged as a high talent in 2023 after putting up remarkable performances.

In the 2023 AFL Rookie Draft, at the age of 20, Clohesy’s hard work and determination paid off. He was selected by the Gold Coast SUNS with Pick 4 and a new chapter of his career was about to begin.

In Round 4 versus GWS, Clohesy would leave a lasting impression on the team by breaking the SUNS possessions record for a player on debut with a remarkable 22 possessions. His debut was a message that Sam Clohesy is here to stay.

Reflecting on the season so far, Clohesy has played 18 games in his first season of the AFL and says he’s thrilled to have earned his opportunity at the top level.

“I’ve learned that I can actually do it, you never actually know you can be a football player,” Clohesy said.

“It’s been unbelievable. I came to this club wanting to get a chance and I’ve been lucky enough to get a few games in a row now.

“I’m just wanting to make the most of it and to be a part of something special. To be playing in the first SUNS’ winning season would be absolutely huge, especially in my first season.

“I kind of just looked at it a week at a time. Mum would call me to talk about tickets and to get friends down. I would just tell her to be quiet until selection came up because I don’t want to take it all for granted.”

Clohesy’s humble and grounded approach has allowed him to keep focused on his game and development without getting caught up in all the hype.

“I’m still just taking it a week at a time. I’ll go through my review, I do my learnings, and I take that into the next week.

“Potentially next year if I can see my spot again in the team, I can look for higher goals but for now just one week at a time.”

To highlight his impressive start to his AFL career, Clohesy’s time with the SUNS has been solidified with a two-year contract extension

“The opportunity is huge and to know that I will be here for the next couple of years is really exciting,” Clohesy said.

“Going into my second pre-season, I can really set some fitness goals for myself and hopefully start the year really strong.”

Clohesy's development indicates he will be a player to watch, highlighting the power of perseverance and pursuing dreams at any age.

“You always want to do it, but to come in and stay to the system and have some good games along with that has been massive for me and my confidence, to know that I can make it at the top level and potentially be a really important player at this club,” Clohesy said.

“So that’s what I’m looking to do in the years to come.”