Gold Coast SUNS defender Rory Thompson has extended his contract with the club, committing until the end of the 2023 season.

The 200cm defender played junior football with the Southport Sharks on the Gold Coast prior to signing with the SUNS in 2010 as a local talent access selection.

Prior to rupturing his ACL on the eve of the season, Thompson had put together his strongest pre-season campaign to date.

“It was unfortunate what happened after I’d put together a solid block of training, but I’ve commenced my rehab and I’m looking forward to working through that over the coming months,” Thompson said.

“I’m really enjoying the environment here at the club and as a Gold Coaster I had no hesitations in committing my long-term future to the SUNS.

“Having grown up 10 minutes away from Metricon Stadium, it’s a great privilege to be able to represent my home city, playing the game I love, on a national stage, it’s something I never thought would be possible when I first started playing AFL.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities the club have provided me, and I want to do everything I can behind the scenes to help drive us forward. 

“We’ve got a great group of players, coaches and staff who are all committed to helping us get to where we want to get too.”

Thompson played 17 games last season and finished fourth in the club’s Best and Fairest.

At 28, he has played 103 AFL games since making his debut as a 20-year-old against the Sydney Swans at Metricon Stadium in Round 16, 2011.