Eleven matches and the thrill of kicking goals at AFL level has Gold Coast SUNS forward Timmy Sumner wanting more in 2014. 

 “My goal was to play two games at AFL level, but I kept pushing myself and was able to play eleven,” Sumner said.

“I’m hoping to get a good hit out over the summer, and if I can complete at least 90% of the pre-season, hopefully I’ll be able to give myself a great opportunity to play all 22 games next year.”

Although an ambitious bid in most AFL circles, 19-year-old Sumner needs only to look at fellow Gold Coast teammate Aaron Hall to know anything is possible.  

Taken by the Club with pick 7 in the 2011 Pre-Season Draft, Hall enjoyed a solid debut year in the AFL, averaging a goal per match in his eight senior appearances. 

Backed by a strong pre-season, Hall made the most his opportunity in attack with key injuries to livewires Brandon Matera, Harley Bennell and Jesse Lonergan, becoming just one of two players to feature in all 22 home and away fixtures. 

With Sumner eyeing a similar path this summer, the former Woodsville junior says he’s looking forward to building a stronger fitness base in a bid to further cement a spot in the team. 

“I’m really looking forward to building a bigger engine this year, and really working on my endurance so I can run out games longer,” he said.

“I had a chat to the coaching staff and they discussed the possibility of putting me on the wing, so we’ll see how that goes over the pre-season.”

“But any position is good for me.”

Sumner said the same could be said for the rest of his Gold Coast team mates.

“There’s no doubt everyone will be looking forward to having an even better pre-season this time around, and really putting in the hard yards to ensure we can continue our overall improvement as a team and Club."