The Gold Coast SUNS are very happy to announce the 23 members who have been selected for the 2024 Members’ Team of the Year.

The members selected in the Team of the Year will have the opportunity to participate in the Guard of Honour in Round 23 at People First Stadium, as well as receive a match-worn guernsey, pre-match warmup guernsey, a Team of the Year photo, a personalised footy badge, a boundary money-can’t-buy-experience during the player warm-up and their name announced by the game day announcer in Round 23. 

Terry Vanes (C)

Receiving the honour as captain of the 2024 Members’ Team of the Year is Terry Vanes. Terry’s passion for the club alongside his daughter Zahra overflows daily, not just for the players but for everyone behind the scenes. Terry wears the SUNS colours with immense pride and no matter the result or outcome, he always stays positive. That’s why he is our captain - positivity and passion are the two things that make him a great leader. Terry has also started a GC SUNS fan page on Facebook “The Rising SUNS” which has already reached 700 members. Terry is a trustworthy respectable leader for the team! 

 

Anthony Kingsley

Anthony Kingsley is the man you want in your team, the passion and unwavering support he brings to the team is unmatchable, through thick and thin, you know the King will have your back. Since 2012 Anthony has supported the SUNS, he lifts our bay at every game without fail.  

 

Christine Iverach

Christine Iverach is 74 years of age and has not missed a game since 2011. She is the kind of person you need in your team, dedicated and loyal. Christine even travelled on her own to Adelaide for Gather Round to support the SUNS. One of our most passionate supporters, Christine is bringing some much-needed experience to the team.

 

Erin McNamara

You know Erin McNamara is the person for your team when she sets up her calendar around the fixture every year. Erin is a loud and passionate supporter, with her heart rate sitting at about 120 BPM per game, even peaking at 153 BPM during the Collingwood match. If you ever see Erin with the ball, you know she will get the job done. 

 

Harry Price

At 78 years young, Harry Price has been a passionate VFL/AFL supporter all his life. His interest in the Gold Coast SUNS started when Damien Hardwick became the coach and ever since, he has not regretted getting involved. Harry is so passionate about the team, he needs to sit down and relax after every goal. Harry is playing more of a supportive role this year in the team, but we’re sure he could still kick a couple of goals if given the chance. 

 

Oliver Edwards

Young gun, Oli Edwards never takes off his Gold Coast SUNS kit. No matter the weather. you will always find him in his SUNS gear. He is proud and enthusiastic to talk to about the SUNS and watches every game when he barracks hard from Victoria. Oli is the type of player you need in the team - he knows every stat from closely monitoring the ladder weekly, so he knows the weaknesses and strengths of each team. 

 

Warren Drew

Warren Drew is a fighter, the kind of fighter you need in the team no matter whether it’s from his wheelchair or at home, Warren has been there supporting the team and lifting their spirits since 2010. A great asset to the team and very much well-deserved. 

 

Ashley Kersey

No matter the distance Ashley attends every home game, a die-hard supporter of the team owning and wearing every piece of SUNS merch. Ashley is the player who lives and breathes for the game, knowing that if he was on the pitch he’d do anything for the badge. 

 

Darryl Parker

Since 2013 Darryl has been a devout follower of the SUNS and has been through the highs and lows of supporting the team. Darryl has kept his family’s passion for the SUNS going, without him the support may have waned. Darryl is one in the red, gold and blue -he is a mighty Gold Coast SUN. 

 

Darren Mounsey

In the past five years, Darren has attended nearly every SUNS match, his unwavering support and influence have encouraged non-AFL-centric ladies and gents to join him on match day. You’ll see him battle opposition supporters in good spirits, but no one cheers on louder than Darren when the SUNS win. We can be assured if he was on the field, he would give the opposition a run for their money. 

 

Josh Edwards

Bringing knowledge and tactics to the team, Josh Edwards and his family of six have been supporting the SUNS for over 10 years. Josh also used to be the AFL convenor for AFL NSW schools, so I think we all know, he knows his footy.  

 

Gordon Shoebridge

Former Central Districts player Gordo Shoebridge missed the passion and love of playing week in and week out for Central, and when he moved back to the Gold Coast, he thought he wouldn’t find that again. That was until he found the SUNS, who have become what he once had all those years ago. This last home game will be incredibly emotional for him and his son. Passion like Gordo’s isn’t just made, it’s bred through experiences and the SUNS helped him find that again. 

 

Stephen Foster

Long-time member Stephen Foster is a SUN through and through. He has been there since the beginning, from seeing the first goal for the SUNS or purchasing the 92^nd of the inaugural 100 jumper that went on sale in the club’s first season. Foster is just one of the few loyal and dedicated players you need in a team, the player that turns up week in or week out, no matter what he will be there.  

 

Lily Edwards

Based in Melbourne you could say Lily Edwards is the minority when it comes to supporting footy teams. But Lily is never afraid to use her full voice no matter the venue, even if she gets some awkward glances. Lily is that key player that when she’s on the field, she fights for the ball no matter the score. 

 

Piper Stock

Piper Stock has been supporting football ever since she was young, and she questioned her family in 2010 about moving to the Gold Coast due to them not having a team yet. But after finding out in 2011 the SUNS will be in the AFL, Piper went and learned the team song and begged to be a member. Just as much as the SUNS are lucky to have Piper, Piper is lucky to have found the SUNS. Piper is that ruthless player who just can’t wait to put the boots on and get out there. 

 

Lyla Ralph

Youngster Lyla Ralph brings some dazzling displays to the team and is one of the most crucial members of the team. At just seven years old, Lyla adds some youthful exuberance to balance out the team’s profile. Coming to every home game and cheering as loud as possible, Lyla is so important to the SUNS and our wins. Lyla is a SUN for life!

 

Ben Holmes

Ben Holmes is another loyal fan based in WA where he supports the team from interstate and is a part of the SUNSscreamers. But no matter what, Ben has the SUNS back and that’s the kind of player you need in the team. Ben is one of the more well-travelled members of the team and truly deserves the spot due to his interstate support!

 

Donna Wilson

Donna Wilson should be known as the team Nanna, as she goes to every SUNS game home and away, and has recently introduced her grandchildren to the joy of the SUNS. The commitment Donna brings is unlike anything else and that’s why she plays a vital role in the team! 

 

Sue Baynes

Sue Baynes is a deity when it comes to positivity and encouragement, as she is fostering the next generation of football fans. From cheering her grandchildren on at the local footy, to cheering on the SUNS at People First Stadium, Sue is that team player who just knows how to keep everyone going. This is extremely valuable!

 

Sofia Theodora

Selectors have decided to pick some youngsters this year to bring some youth to the team, picking our equal-youngest player Sofia Theodora at just six years old. Sofia has been all about the SUNS ever since she moved to the Gold Coast. Sofia is one of the loudest in the stands, she is a SUN of the Gold Coast sky. 

 

Theo Schuddinh

Joining Sofia as a six-year-old debutant to the team is Theo Schuddinh. Since just two years old, Theo has lived and breathed the SUNS, and now at six, his love for the team is unmatchable. Theo attends every home game and is sure to watch all the away games on TV without fail. Theo is another key player in the Members’ Team of the Year as he knows everything about the SUNS and whether they have found their “rhythm” or not. He could almost give Coach Dimma a run for his money. 

 

Josephine Cox

Josephine Cox is the next generation of talent coming through. She is always there, cheering on the team and cherishing every moment, whether it’s an open training session or game day, you will always catch her supporting the SUNS. Josephine can’t wait to put the boots on and run out on the field, a well-deserved inclusion!    

 

Jim Odlum

A special inclusion to the 2024 Members Team of the Year is Jim Odlum, who sadly passed away earlier this year after a battle with cancer. Jim was a fierce SUNS supporter and had been a member since 2013. The SUNS are proud to honour Jim with a place in the 2024 Members’ Team of the Year to thank him for his incredible support for over a decade.