The Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to confirm the re-signing of Trent McKenzie and Matt Shaw.
GC SUNS fans in attendance at the 2015 Gold Coast AFL Open Day at Metricon Stadium were the first to hear the news of the duo’s re-signing.
GC SUNS List & Strategy Manager, Scott Clayton, said the club was thrilled to announce the foundation players had recommitted to the Gold Coast.
“We are delighted Trent and Matt have reaffirmed their support and commitment to the club and extended their contracts.
“Both men have played key roles in establishing our club and game in Queensland, since signing with the club as under-age access selections in 2009.
“We have watched them develop over the last six years, as members of our under 18 TAC Cup team in 2009, VFL team in 2010, and at AFL level where both guys have already played over 70 senior games in four seasons,” Clayton said.
McKenzie amassed a team-high 87 rebounds performing a sweeping role across half-back in 2014.
Recruited from the Western Jets, McKenzie played 19 of the SUNS’ 22 matches last season and has taken his career games tally to 76, equal with skipper Gary Ablett.
Only Jarrod Harbrow (78 games) has played more matches for the club.
“I’m rapt to extend my contract, we are all really driven about our future and where the club is heading,” McKenzie said.
“We have a unique team, we know we still have plenty of improvement and hard work ahead of us but it’s a pretty exciting place to be right now.”
Shaw, also a Victorian, provides plenty of outside run and racked up another 20 matches last season, taking his career games to 72.
Hailing from Chelsea, Shaw believes he is ready to take his game to another level in 2015.
“I’ve probably had the best pre-season I’ve ever had. I feel like I’m on the front foot this season and just ready to get stuck into some games and start performing on the track and hopefully the team does as well,” Shaw said.