Queenslander Jackson Allen will become the 53rd player to represent the Gold Coast SUNS and the fifth debutant for 2012 when youngster from Kenmore plays his first AFL game against the Giants on Saturday.
 

The Gold Coast SUNS signed Jackson Allen as a Queensland Zone player prior to the 2011 AFL Draft.

Allen was a shining light in last year's state under-18 team and cut his teeth at the senior level with Morningside in the NEAFL competition.

He trained with Gold Coast SUNS in the 2011 pre-season and was used as a top-up player in the reserves.

One person highly impressed by Allen is AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan. After seeing Allen star for the Queensland under-18s against the Northern Territory last year, Sheehan described his kicking as elite and already AFL standard.

Allen's penetrating right boot is a hallmark of his game, and the humble teenager said it was a skill he worked hard on.

Allen is originally from South Australia - where his father Craig played for North Gambier in Mt Gambier - before the family moved to Brisbane when he was in primary school.

He played five seasons at Kenmore before joining neighbouring Western Magpies to play senior football, and then made the cross-town switch to the Panthers.  

Metricon Stadium transformed into Peter’s Beach Party for Super Saturday!

Come on down to the 5th Quarter LIVE precinct and enjoy the party atmosphere at the Peter’s Beach Party as indie disco band Mitzi play before the bounce, at half time and post match!

Test your skills on the mechanical surfboard, build sand castles and challenge your mates to a casual game of beach volleyball as the sun sets. If you just want to feel the sand between your toes then chill out on a beach chair or bean bag and take in the smooth tunes.

The beach party will be open from 2.30pm until one hour after the final siren so make sure get there early to make the most of the sunshine!

Click here for GC SUNS v GWS Giants ticketing and transport information.