The 2023 AFL Draft has come to a close with a host of Queensland talent being secured across the game.
Gold Coast SUNS Academy players Jed Walter, Ethan Read, Jake Rogers, and Will Graham were selected by the Gold Coast SUNS, with Wilston Grange senior Patrick Snell and Brisbane Lions VFL player Bruce Reville taken by the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions respectively.
Walter, Read, Rogers and Graham are Gold Coast SUNS Academy products, with the trio of Walter, Read, and Graham all hailing from Palm Beach Currumbin AFC as juniors.
The AFL Rookie Draft also saw Sam Clohesy, a former SUNS Academy player from ages 14 to 16 and Under 16 Queensland representative, return to the sunshine state with the Gold Coast SUNS as a rookie.
AFL Queensland Talent Manager Mark Browing said the development of talent in Queensland has been critical to the game’s successful expansion in the state.
“The purpose of our talent pathways is to attract and retain first choice athletes to our game. This year’s AFL Draft was a great outcome for football in Queensland and evident that our pathways are successful in developing this talent,” he said.
“Our Queensland players worked hard this season and are well prepared for what a career in the AFL will bring thanks to opportunities like state representative football, the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS talent academies, and the Allies team.
“There’s plenty of genuine talent in this group of players and I’m looking forward to seeing where their careers take them.”
Head of AFL Queensland Trisha Squires said she is pleased to see the high calibre of talent being elevated to the elite game from Queensland.
“We’re proud of our Queenslanders who were invited to the AFL Draft and with six players selected, it’s testament to the quality of the competition here in Queensland and the talent pathways we have in place,” she said.
“We give our players every opportunity to excel in their football, setting them up for professional careers, and providing a variety of pathways including our premier state league competition, Lions and SUNS Academies, and state representative teams.
“Congratulations to Jed, Ethan, Jake, Will, Patrick and Bruce and we’re looking forward to watching their career progression in the AFL.”
Queensland Draftees
Jed Walter, Gold Coast SUNS
Jed was taken at pick three in the draft by the Gold Coast SUNS. He is a powerful and athletic tall Centre Half Forward who has earned numerous representative selections alongside his participation in the Palm Beach Currumbin Colts and school side and Gold Coast SUNS Academy. He was selected to represent the Allies team at the AFL National Championships for the second year in a row. Allies captain Jed, led the team to an undefeated campaign, taking home the championship for the first time. Jed is a dual All Australian (2022 and 2023).
Ethan Read, Gold Coast SUNS
Ethan was taken at pick nine in the draft by the Gold Coast SUNS. As a 200cm Ruck, Ethan has been in the Gold Coast SUNS Academy since he was 13. Another Palm Beach Currumbin product, he was a part of the championship Allies team this year and won All Australian selection for his efforts. He was also awarded the Hunter Harrison Medal for his performances with the Gold Coast SUNS Academy in 2023.
Jake Rogers, Gold Coast SUNS
Jake was taken at pick 14 in the draft by the Gold Coast SUNS. A versatile mid-forward, Jake Rogers is a Broadbeach Cats and Gold Coast SUNS Academy product, and a consistent high performer. He joined the SUNS Academy side when he was 13, playing side by side with other SUNS draftees Jed Walter, Ethan Read, and Will Graham, all from Palm Beach Currumbin. In 2023, he was selected in what was to be a championship Allies side and earned All-Australian selection. He also played in the Australian Under-18 side against Carlton’s VFL team at Marvel Stadium, claiming the Best on Ground for the side.
Will Graham, Gold Coast SUNS
Will was taken at pick 26 in the draft by the gold Coast SUNS. Another Palm Beach Currumbin junior, Will joined the SUNS Academy at 13, alongside Jed Walter, Ethan Read, and Jake Rogers. Playing in the half-back line, Will has seen success already with his selection to the Allies team, who took home the National Championship this year.
Patrick Snell, Sydney Swans
Patrick was taken at pick 53 in the draft by the Sydney Swans. Originally from the Northern Territory, Patrick made his way to Queensland to attend boarding school at Nudgee College where he played with the Allies team, bringing home the National Championship. Patrick was also a senior player with Wilston Grange playing in the premier QAFL competition and participated in the Brisbane Lions Academy, playing in Coates Talent League games.
Bruce Reville, Brisbane Lions
Bruce was taken in a Category B rookie deal by the Brisbane Lions. Originally from Papua New Guinea and growing up in Cairns, he has seen success across his playing career from Burrum Heads to Wide Bay, and the Sherwood Magpies. In 2016, he was awarded the Troy Clarke Scholarship to support his football aspirations. Moving to the Sherwood Magpies in Brisbane in 2018, he became a Colts Premiership Player. He was selected in the Brisbane Lions Academy in 2012 and joined the inaugural Brisbane Lions VFL side in 2021.
