The Gold Coast SUNS have added five Streetsmarts SUNS Academy graduates to its AFLW list at tonight’s Telstra AFLW Draft.
Burleigh Bombers juniors Havana Harris (Pick 2) and Nyalli Milne (Pick 41), North Cairns Tigers product Heidi Talbot (Pick 27), Tweed-Coolangatta junior Mia Salisbury (Pick 29) and Broadbeach Cats’ own Tara Harrington (Pick 47) all realised their AFLW dreams on Monday night.
Harris was the club’s first selection with the SUNS matching a bid for the two-time Under 18 All-Australian from Melbourne at Pick 2.
Regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the country, Harris’ athleticism and ability to dominate in the air and on the ground is set to excite SUNS fans. Standing at 183cm, the 18-year-old has played both in the ruck and on-ball for the SUNS Academy, averaging 28 disposals and 15.3 hitouts in 2024, whilst also starring for the National Academy, Queensland and Bond University.
Selected with Pick 27, Talbot became the latest North Queensland talent to join the SUNS. The well-balanced, hard-running utility starred for the SUNS Academy in 2024 after earning the opportunity to represent Queensland in 2023.
She averaged 20.8 disposals, seven tackles and three inside 50s in the Coates Talent League and now joins fellow North Queensland products Daisy D’Arcy, Lauren Bella and Wallis Randell on the SUNS list.
Mia Salisbury’s strong 2024 season ended of the highest of notes, taken by the SUNS with Pick 29 after matching a bid from Essendon. Traditionally playing out of defence, the Coolangatta-Tweed product was prolific in midfield for both the SUNS Academy and Queensland in 2024, averaging 20 disposals and 3.7 clearances as one of two maroons to earn Under 18 All-Australian honours alongside – alongside Harris.
Explosive forward Nyalli Milne was the club’s fourth selection, taken with Pick 41. The 18-year-old is another Burleigh Bombers junior who represented Queensland at this year’s National Championships, while her blistering speed and defensive pressure was a key asset in Bond University’s run to the 2024 QAFLW Grand Final.
Broadbeach Cats junior and 2024 AFL Academy member Tara Harrington became the club’s fifth and final selection, joining the SUNS at Pick 47. The 18-year-old midfielder’s draft year was plagued by injuries, but her combination of class and toughness was on full display in three Coates Talent League matches, averaging 23.3 disposals eight tackles.
GC SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago said, “We are thrilled to be able to secure five of our highly talented young players from our Academy in tonight’s Draft.
“Havana, Heidi, Mia, Nyalli and Tara have worked incredibly hard to earn this opportunity to represent their hometown club in the AFLW. I’m sure it’s a proud moment for their families and everyone involved in their journeys.”
“Their selections are also testament to the work undertaken by their coaches both in our Academy and at their junior clubs. It really is a monumental night for the Gold Coast football community and reward for the work that’s happening to grow the game here in Queensland.”
Havana Harris
DOB: 01/07/2006
Height: 182cm
Home State: Queensland
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Name Pronunciation: Hav-are-nar Harris
Junior club: Burleigh
Senior club: SUNS Academy/Bond University
Heidi Talbot
DOB: 18/12/2006
Height: 160cm
Home State: Queensland
Position: Utility
Name Pronunciation: Hi-dee Tal-bot
Junior club: North Cairns
Senior club: SUNS Academy/North Cairns/Bond University
Mia Salisbury
DOB: 26/05/2006
Height: 169cm
Home State: Queensland
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Name Pronunciation: Mia Sorlz-bree
Junior club: Tweed Coolangatta
Senior club: SUNS Academy/Bond University
Nyalli Milne
DOB: 27/06/2006
Height: 171cm
Home State: Queensland
Position: Forward
Name Pronunciation: Ny-ar-lee Miln
Junior club: Burleigh
Senior club: SUNS Academy/Bond University
Tara Harrington
DOB: 24/03/2006
Height: 167cm
Home State: Queensland
Position: Midfielder
Name Pronunciation: Tar-rar Harrington
Junior club: Broadbeach
Senior club: SUNS Academy/Bond University
GC SUNS AFLW Squad
Elise Barwick, Lauren Bella, Kiara Bischa, Maddy Brancatisano, Georgia Clayden, Daisy D’Arcy, Darcie Davies, Jac Dupuy, Clara Fitzpatrick, Keely Fullerton, Meara Girvan, Tara Harrington, Havana Harris, Annabel Kievit, Katie Lynch, Ella Maurer, Sienna McMullen, Niamh McLaughlin, Nyalli Milne, Lily Mithen, Taya Oliver, Wallis Randell, Charlie Rowbottom, Mia Salisbury, LucySingle, Ella Smith, Jamie Stanton, Heidi Talbot, Claudia Whitfort, Charlotte Wilson
