“It’s a really good environment and I think the future is really bright.” Sam Flanders on why he has re-signed with the SUNS. 

19-year-old Flanders signed a two-year contract extension and is excited as to where the club is heading, as Gold Coast continues to build its exciting young core.  

“For me the biggest thing is the group of boys, we’re all pretty tight and we’re buying in,” Flanders said. 

“Not only us the boys but the staff around the club, we still have to work really hard but it’s exciting times.” 

Flanders is a part of a large group on the SUNS list in the 18-24 age bracket.  

This makes up the young and exciting group coming through the ranks at the SUNS and is a large part of why Flanders was so excited to sign on with the club.  

Flanders accredits a large proportion of his consistent year to a strong pre-season, after playing 14 games in just his second year at the club. 

“For me the consistency has been off the back of a good pre-season,” Flanders said. 

“I knew in the offseason I had some big goals to try and achieve.  

“I just knuckled down over the pre-season, hit those goals and set me up for a good, consistent season.” 

After debuting as a small forward in 2020, Flanders has spent more time through the midfield during the 2021 AFL Toyota Premiership Season and credits much of his success to vice-captain Touk Miller. 

“I’ve learnt so much from Touk, whether it be sitting down watching film or going over some ruck plays,” Flanders said. 

“You learn so much from him, he’s so inspirational. 

“Playing in the midfield this year has been massive for my development, playing alongside the likes of Touk Miller and Dave Swallow. 

“For my development it has been massive to learn off them, so it’s been good.” 

Speaking on more recent times, Flanders has been part of a SUNS group that had two big wins and another encouraging performance against some very strong competition. 

“The last three rounds for us as a group, have been a massive confidence builder, “Flanders said. 

“To beat the Tigers and beat the Giants, two high quality teams and to push the Dogs was massive for our confidence and we’ll take that into this week against the Lions.” 

First bounce for the Round 19 QClash is at 3:10pm on Saturday afternoon at the Gabba.