As a former Broadbeach junior who graduated from the football fraternity on the Gold Coast, there are few things that bring a bigger smile to Andrew Boston’s face than watching the city’s budding footy fans playing the game he loves most. 

On Tuesday, more than half of the Gold Coast SUNS playing list spread out to local junior AFL clubs to celebrate the beginning of another AFL season on the Gold Coast. 

The annual AFL community appearance holds special significance for the 19-year-old rookie-listed player, who grew up on the tourist strip dreaming of one day playing on the national stage. 

“It’s funny to see young players (playing AFL) because it was only a couple of years ago that that was me,” Boston told SUNS TV.

“I would never have pictured being here right now.” 

While 2013 Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett headlined a visit to the Carrara Saints Football Club yesterday, the zippy small forward proved to be almost as popular amongst the young football community, suggesting Boston’s rise to the big time has inspired a generation of Gold Coast juniors. 

The visit brought back fond memories for Boston, who had celebrated countless grand final victories on the Carrara surface. 

“As a Broadbeach Cats player we played a few grand finals here; it’s given me some great memories and it is a great club and great ground to come back to.”

Like Boston, many of the Gold Coast players get a kick out of giving back to the club’s passionate local supporter group.

But the local product said he will make an extra effort to ensure the club’s community efforts move forward this season, as the Gold Coast SUNS look to match their annual target of 5,000 community hours. 

“At the Gold Coast Football Club, we pride ourselves on our community work.

“So we always come down here whenever we can to help the kids and local footy clubs on the Gold Coast.”