The Gold Coast SUNS have secured Hawthorn’s Tom Murphy through the AFL free agency period.

Murphy, an unrestricted free agent, becomes the first player signed by the GC SUNS under the new system.

The 26-year-old has played 95 AFL matches since making his debut in 2005.

A member of Hawthorn’s leadership group for the past four seasons, Murphy captained the Hawks against the Gold Coast in the Round 24 match at Metricon Stadium in 2011.

Murphy, recruited to the Hawks with selection 21 in the 2004 draft, will play a major role supporting the GC SUNS emerging defenders Rory Thompson, Seb Tape, Henry Schade, Matt Shaw and Trent McKenzie.

GC SUNS, General Manager – Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft said the club was thrilled to secure the mature defender.
It’s a great benefit to the club that we have been able to add a player of Tom’s calibre and standing. “Tom not only brings great experience from Hawthorn to the club, but we believe he will play a vital role in continuing to develop our group on and off the field.”

The SUNS latest recruit said he was pleased to join the GC SUNS.
I’m rapt to be joining the Gold Coast SUNS, they’re a club with a heap of talent and I can’t wait to join the team and help them take their next step. “I will be forever grateful to everyone at the Hawthorn Football Club, I really enjoyed my time there but I’m now really looking forward to continuing my career with the Gold Coast SUNS.”