GC SUNS key forward Jed Walter is looking to make his mark in his second season of AFL football.

The 19-year-old Palm Beach Currumbin product played 14 games in his debut AFL season, booting 11 goals and has his eyes set on becoming a ‘key pillar’ in the SUNS forward line.

“Coming in last year I was probably the fourth or fifth key forward. With a couple of boys not here any more, I need to put my best foot forward and really try to be one of the key pillars in the side,” Walter said

Walter has been working closely with several experienced heads at the Austworld Centre.

“I’ve been working with Ben King a bit. He had a great year last year. “[Forwards coach] Brad Miller and I have been working very closely too on really trying to take my game to the next level.”

Walter is one of five Streetsmarts SUNS Academy talents who are about to embark on their second AFL pre-season. That experience of a debut season has helped his preparations this off-season with intensity already at fever pitch.

“I already have that year and I've already got that pace at AFL level so I guess it’s just about now building on that and doing everything I can to stay at the level and have a more consistent year,” Walter added.

“We’re really going after it. Dimma is really strong on team chemistry and connection and we're working really hard up here… really exciting times ahead.”

Walter has also been impressed by the intensity shown from two new Academy graduates in Lachlan Gulbin and Leo Lombard.

Gulbin and Lombard compliment a young and exciting SUNS squad who have their eyes set on success in 2025.

“We're still a young group as well and we got two more Academy boys come through the door as well. They’re great additions and they'll help us take this team to the next level and drive for finals.”