The Gold Coast SUNS have re-signed 20-year-old Dion Prestia, extending his contract until the end of 2016.

Prestia who has played 40 games for the GC SUNS becomes the eleventh player to re-commit to the Club in 2013.

From the Calder Cannons and Assumption College, Prestia was taken by the GC SUNS with selection 9 in the 2010 National Draft.

Prestia has an appetite for hard work as was evident during the GC SUNS match against Geelong on the weekend that saw Prestia finish the match with game high 12 tackles, as well as racking up 29 disposals.

GC SUNS List Manager Scott Clayton was ecstatic to secure Prestia for an extended period, and credited Prestia’s manager, Marty Pask from the Essentially Group.

“Today’s announcement is significant for the Gold Coast Football Club.

Dion’s commitment demonstrates the confidence our players have in the direction of our football club and is an example of the belief they have that we are building something special on the Gold Coast,” Clayton said.

Clayton believes Prestia will form an important part of the future success of the GC SUNS.

“Dion joins an ever growing group of players recommitting to the Gold Coast Football Club and it is these players who will form the nucleus of our future success.”

Prestia echoed Clayton’s thoughts.

“I’m rapt to have re-signed with the Gold Coast SUNS until the end of 2016. Having been at the club since the start and knowing what we’ve been building, I really wanted to stick with the club.

Like many of my teammates, we believe we are on the verge of future success and I’m looking forward to putting in the hard work over the coming years to ensure we achieve that.”

Prestia joins teammates Zac Smith, Trent McKenzie, Seb Tape, Jack Martin, Rory Thompson, Charlie Dixon, Jesse Lonergan, Jackson Allen, Clay Cameron and Henry Schade who have all re-committed in 2013.