Northern Territory product Malcolm Rosas Jnr will make his AFL debut for the Gold Coast SUNS, this weekend in QClash20.

The livewire small forward has been rewarded after strong performances throughout the pre-season and across the first three rounds of the 2021 VFL Season.

Rosas Jnr was drafted to the Gold Coast SUNS as an academy selection prior to the 2019 NAB AFL Draft and said that this was the level he’d dreamt of reaching.

“It’s pretty exciting, absolutely stoked to be representing this club,” Rosas Jnr said.

“It’s a dream, I’ve always wanted to play footy at the highest level and I can’t wait to get out there in the QClash.”

Rosas Jnr was the first player drafted to the club when the Darwin region was added to its academy program in 2019 and had a simple message for anyone back home, looking to follow in his footsteps.

“Keep chasing your dreams, keep playing footy as much as you can because you never know where you can get too.”

The 19-year old has kicked two goals across the first three games of the VFL season, averaging 13 disposals and five tackles with his willingness to pressure the opposition a clear standout.

“Working with the coaches I focussed on bringing my assets to the table, my speed, being electric and bringing the energy to the team.”

“I worked on my pressure a lot over the pre-season and I just want to bring that consistently each week.”

General Manager of Football Jon Haines said it was an opportunity Rosas Jnr had earnt off the back of hard work and his drive to get better.

“It’s a credit to Mally and the effort he has put into chasing improvement in his game and now he gets the reward, earning his AFL debut,” Haines said. 

“Hopefully his journey can inspire the next generation of talented footballers in Darwin to chase their dreams of playing AFL Football.”

Malcom Rosas Jnr will run out onto Metricon Stadium for his debut on Saturday afternoon against the Brisbane Lions, centre bounce 4:35pm.