The Gold Coast SUNS have added former Cazalys NT Thunder Academy and TIO NTFL Palmerston Magpies Football Club’s Sandy Brock to the club’s rookie list for the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Brock is a key position player hailing from Darwin and becomes the third Northern Territorian to join the SUNS since the club launched its partnership with the NT Government in 2019.
Standing at 198cm, the 18-year-old has elite speed for his size and has represented the Cazalys NT Thunder, NT All Stars and was included Under 19 Allies squad in recent years.
“I honestly can’t wait, it’s going to be an unreal experience, hopefully I can play AFL but also (see) the development,” Brock said.
“I want to learn from all the players and coaches and try to make it to the top as fast as I can.”
In line with the concessions granted by the AFL in 2019, the club is able to pre-select eligible SUNS Academy players without having to match bids from rival clubs through the draft process.
The club underwent the same process in previous years, pre-selecting the likes of Malcolm Rosas Jnr and Joel Jeffrey among others.
AFLNT Talent Manager Simon Hargrave said Brock has shown great promise throughout his career to date since being part of the Under 16’s NT Thunder Academy.
“Being added to the SUNS rookie list is a credit to the work Sandy has put into his football, through the Cazalys NT Thunder Academy, his TIO NTFL footballing at Palmerston and the great 2021 season he had playing in the WAFL,” Hargrave said.
“Sandy recently returned to Darwin to compete in the NAB Challenge game in September and was also selected in the Allies squad for 2021.
“To see another Territorian get an opportunity at the elite level and seeing our relationship with the Gold Coast SUNS grow further is fantastic.”
SUNS General Manager of Player Talent and Strategy Craig Cameron was confident Brock would thrive in the full-time AFL environment.
“Sandy has shown he has potential as a key position player with great height and speed, so we look forward to working with him on the next stages of his development.”
Sandy Brock
DOB: 14/12/2002
Height: 198cm
Weight: 86kg
Club: Palmerston (NTFL)/Peel Thunder (WAFL)/SUNS Academy
Position: Key defender