Bess Keaney will join the Gold Coast SUNS after being selected with pick 58 in the 2020 NAB AFLW Draft.

Keaney is a mature-age player who comes from the Southern Saints in the VFLW, where she played alongside Club Champion Runner-Up Lauren Ahrens and new SUNS recruit Alison Drennan in 2019.

Prior to that she played two VFLW seasons with Melbourne Uni after transitioning from a field hockey background.

In her eight games last season Keaney averaged 13 disposals, two marks and three tackles per game.

Traditionally a half-back flanker, the 28-year-old is known for her creativity coming out of defence where she can use her run and carry to rebound effectively.

Off the field, she works as a digital communications officer with the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Keaney will add more experience to the SUNS’ defensive stocks, working closely with captain Sam Virgo, Jade Pregelj and Ahrens.

She will join her new teammates on the Gold Coast in time for the AFLW pre-season which gets underway in early November.