It’s been a whirlwind week for the Gold Coast SUNS’ newest recruit Sam Fletcher.
In the space of a few days Fletcher has gone from training with VFL side Box Hill to training on the main field of Metricon Stadium as a Gold Coast SUN.
The 19-year-old was confirmed as a supplementary selection period (SSP) signing for the SUNS before the deadline on Friday afternoon and fills one of the three remaining list positions available.
“I did a pre-season at Box Hill down in Victoria then had a practice game on the weekend and got a few calls,” Fletcher told SUNS Media.
“I think Rory Thompson had done his ACL so I flew up here on Monday and did a medical (test) and had a meeting with Stuey.
“Then it was a nervous wait until Wednesday when I got the nod so yeah I’m stoked about it.”
Fletcher has moved in with Nick Holman and is quickly adjusting to life on the Coast as a professional footballer.
He says his new teammates have been quick to welcome him into the fold and help him out on his first day at the club.
“Initially they all sort of shot me a text message to offer me any support that I might need when I’m here,” Fletcher said.
“I went out for dinner with a few of those boys last night and got to meet them informally which was good and they’ve all got around me today.
“It makes it a lot easier when they support you like that.”
At 187cm, Fletcher is a medium-sized inside midfielder who has been involved in the elite pathway programs during his development.
He played in the Dandenong Stingrays 2018 TAC Cup premiership side and was subsequently named in the TAC Cup Team of the Year.
Fletcher also played alongside new teammates Ben King, Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine in the AFL Academy side for two years.
After being overlooked in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft due to a frustrating year with injury, Fletcher is now fully fit and can’t wait to get stuck into his football.
“Initially (it will be) just finding my feet and settling in to living up here and getting to know everyone,” Fletcher said of his next steps.
“(I want to) hopefully just have a good start probably in the NEAFL and then go from there and just try to build a good year and some consistent footy.”
The 19-year-old will have his first chance to impress on Sunday where he will play for the SUNS in the NEAFL practice match against Palm Beach Currumbin.
