Gold Coaster Jesse Joyce was a part of the SUNS Academy when it first began in 2011 after coming through the ranks of the Tweed Coolangatta Junior Australian Football Club.

A five-year journey with the Academy reached its pinnacle at November’s rookie draft, when the 18-year-old was selected by the SUNS with pick number 67, the second last player to be taken on the day.

Joyce will take the next step of his footballing odyssey this Saturday night when he makes his AFL debut against the Sydney Swans at Metricon Stadium and the local product paid tribute to the influence the Academy program has had on his career.

“Coming through the Academy, it’s pretty humbling to make the journey through that and get to this point,” Joyce told SUNS TV on Thursday evening.

“Started from the start of it and learned a lot of my foundation footy from that and I owe a lot to (Jason) Torney and ‘Rog’ [Aaron Rogers] for that.

“Looking forward to playing for them and doing the Academy proud.”

The SUNS Academy should record another milestone this November, with highly touted prospects Jack Bowes and Brad Scheer strong chances to be the first Academy players drafted onto a senior list.

Joyce has played a lot of footy alongside the duo and would love to see them emulate his achievements if they’re drafted into Metricon Stadium later this year.

“They’re skyrocketing through the ranks at the moment,” Joyce said.

“I think Bowes is looking to go probably number one draft pick and Scheery isn’t far behind and they’re class players.

“They’re going to help us in the NEAFL this year and looking forward to seeing their journey and hopefully they can join us at the end of the year.”