Ben Ainsworth
Ainsworth was the pick of Gold Coast’s draftees during the JLT Community Series and his form saw him rewarded with a debut game in round one that involved a two-goal haul.
The first year player suffered a corked quad prior to round three, with a conservative approach decided upon for his rehab. Ainsworth had showcased some of his potential during the opening two rounds of the season and was in good form when the injury struck.
The 18-year-old has shown that he truly belongs at AFL level, with his goal sense and ability to rove at the feet of tall forwards Tom Lynch and Peter Wright already providing genuine excitement for SUNS fans.
Jack Scrimshaw
Scrimshaw has been the least talked about of the SUNS’ 2016 draft crop so far, yet has plenty of potential. The classy rebounding defender has played five games at NEAFL level this season, with a hip flexor injury during the pre-season limiting his training loads early on.
He had been working hard on his conditioning and after settling in defence, hopes to eventually make the move into the midfield.
The 19 year old is finding the footy at NEAFL level and is using his good decision making and clean disposal to provide rebound off half back. He has displayed glimpses of his great footy abilities and could be one to watch out for in the second half of the season as he presses his case for senior selection.
Will Brodie
Touted as a player who could step straight into the team, Will Brodie is yet to make his debut despite solid NEAFL form.
As a strong bodied inside midfielder, the Victorian has found himself in elite company at the SUNS and is working hard to earn his place in the senior team.
Brodie has been putting in the hard yards and laying tackles every game, as well as occasionally hitting the scoreboard. Having averaged 22 disposals across his seven NEAFL games, including a high of 36, he is also finding plenty of the footy.
Having been named in the best a number of times for the SUNS NEAFL team, it’s only a matter of time before Brodie earns a senior call up from senior coach Rodney Eade.
Jack Bowes
A lot was expected of Jack Bowes after he was dubbed the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of the 2016 draft crop and he has started to deliver. His strong form in the JLT Community Series earned him a spot in the senior team for round one and he has rarely looked back.
A midfielder throughout his junior footy years, senior coach Rodney Eade has deployed the Cairns product across half back where his sound decision making has seen him progress well.
Bowes has missed only one senior game to date and has shown flashes of brilliance as he settles into the team, with support in the backline coming from the likes of captain Steven May and fellow defender Jarrod Harbrow.
The SUNS Talent Academy graduate has continued to improve and his last three games have seen him accumulate an average of 18 disposals and three rebound 50s. He’s also ranked in the top 10 at the club for pressure acts, highlighting the effort he is putting into this defensive work.
Brad Scheer
The Palm Beach-Currumbin product had to wait a little bit longer than the other 2016 draftees to have his name read out.
Since arriving at the club however, Scheer has gone about his work with a quiet determination and consistent performances earned him a debut in round seven.
A solidly-built inside midfielder throughout junior footy, the 18-year-old has shifted forward during his short time at the SUNS and impressed the coaching staff with his work rate and skills.
Scheer has played two consecutive games, showing some positive signs and will look to build on this and lock down his spot in the senior team during the second half of the season.
