The Gold Coast SUNS have tonight added Cooper Bell to the club’s senior list in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft, after last night securing StreetSmarts SUNS Academy product Leo Lombard in the first round.
The SUNS’ first move of the night was to execute a live trade with the Brisbane Lions to move up the draft order, sending the SUNS’ 2025 third-round selection to the Lions in exchange for pick 47.
With that pick, the SUNS placed a bid on GWS Giants Academy member Cooper Bell, with the Giants declining to match the bid and thus allowing Bell to join the SUNS.
Bell is a tall defender with exceptional speed, athleticism and ball handling.
The 199cm prospect played all four National Championships matches for the Allies alongside new teammate Lombard, where he was able to match up on the opposition’s primary marking target and make good decisions with the ball.
The Belconnen Magpies product also played three matches for the Giants Academy in the Coates Talent League, and three matches for the Giants in the VFL in 2024, where he continued to show rapid development.
Gold Coast SUNS National Recruiting Manager Kall Burns said the club was excited to recruit Bell to the club.
“We identified Cooper as a target in the Draft and we are pleased we’ve been able to secure him. Cooper brings a competitive edge and will complement our key position stocks,” Burns said.
“We’re looking forwar to welcoming Cooper to the Gold Coast for pre-season training on Monday.”
The club finished the night by brokering a second live trade, sending pick 58 to Richmond in exchange for the Tigers’ 2025 fourth-round selection.
The Telstra Rookie Draft will take place on Friday afternoon at 11:00am AEST.
Cooper Bell
State: NSW/ACT
State League Club: GWS Giants Academy
Community Club: Belconnen Magpies
Date of Birth: 30/11/2006
Height: 199cm
