Future full-back Henry Schade continues to excite those around the club with his development through the NEAFL, and will be given every opportunity to prove he has what it takes to make it at the elite level after being awarded with a multi-year contract extension that will see him stay at the club til at least 2015.

In a great show of faith to the 19-year-old, GC SUNS General Manager of Football Operations Marcus Ashcroft offered Schade the opportunity to extend his stay with the club and he didn’t hesitate to sign on the dotted line.

“It certainly gives me a great deal of confidence moving forward in my professional development,” Schade said.

“It provides me with a bit of security and peace of mind so I can concentrate entirely on my footy without any off-field distractions.”

Ever since being snared with the GC SUNS first selection in the 2011 AFL Draft (no. 24), Schade has worked tirelessly to add some much needed muscle mass to his light frame.

“When I first arrived to the club I weighed in at 79kgs and I’m now standing at around 89kgs.”

Schade said his biggest focus on the football track heading into 2013 was learning how to manoeuvre in his new body after NEAFL coach Shaun Hart told him he needed to work on being more physical in the contested football.  

“I’m only beginning to learn how to throw my body around a bit more because I’ve never had one up until now,” said Schade.

“Harty has been really persistent with me, and definitely wants to see me bash and crash with a few more forwards.”

For Schade, if he’s able to show genuine signs of improvement in the gym and on the training field, he’ll be one step closer towards achieving his dream of playing AFL footy.

“My ultimate focus has always been to taste senior football, but I’m hoping that if I can do all the 1-percenters such as setting new personal bests in the gym and new times on the track, then hopefully I’ll put myself in good position to be in the mix for senior selection.”