The Gold Coast SUNS have invited Southport Sharks half-back Ben Jepson to train with the club during the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).

 The 23-year-old will join Hewago Oea, who was delisted but already confirmed to be joining the club for pre-season training, at the Austworld Centre from today.

Jepson is an Oakleigh Chargers product who won Coburg’s best and fairest last year, but has risen to another level with the Sharks, earning VFL team of the year honours at half-back.

Jepson played in the state game against the SANFL in April before finishing runner-up in Southport’s best and fairest behind former Port Adelaide midfielder Boyd Woodcock, who trained with SUNS during last year’s SSP. 

Jepson thrived behind the ball at Southport, averaging 24.7 disposals at 82.9 per cent efficiency across 22 appearances in his first season on the Gold Coast.

The SUNS currently have one list position open, allowing the club to invite a maximum of two players to train with the senior squad at any time before the SSP deadline on February 21, 2025.

The club can choose to promote a player to its list at any time during this period, or choose to keep the position open for the mid-season draft in 2025.