Gold Coast academy gun Ethan Read is set to extend his time at the Suns for an additional two years, adding to the mandated three seasons from his initial draft contract.
Looking like being locked away until the end of 2028, Read has already made a strong impression, debuting in Round 4 against the Giants as a forward and second ruck.
Channel 9's Tom Morris revealed that the 18-year-old is "every chance" to be the first player to extend past the initial three seasons from the 2023 draft crop, with talks set to ramp up for the competition's young guns.
Ethan Read will sign a two-year extension at the @GoldCoastSUNS this week. Will take him through to the end of 2028.
Pick 9 in the 2023 draft. Every chance to be the first of last year’s top 20 to extend beyond the mandated three years. @FootyonNine @9NewsMelb…
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) April 28, 2024
Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was introduced ahead of the most recent draft, preliminary contracts for top-end talent were increased from two to three years.
The push from northern clubs to increase contract lengths to assist with player retention was received from the AFL as part of the CBA talks.
Inclusive in the new deal was a hold on negotiations until after Round 6 of a player's debut season.
Read joined the Suns with fellow academy graduates Jed Walter, Jake Rogers and Will Graham.
The quartet have all featured under new coach Damien Hardwick and have shown glimpses of their potential.
The 202cm utility has played in three games, one victory against Hawthorn and has slotted three goals.
