Star forward Ben King has signed a new contract that will lock up his short-term future until the end of the 2026 season.

King has agreed to re-sign with the Gold Coast Suns for another two years after running off-contract at the end of the current season.

One of the most in-demand key forwards on the market, the 23-year-old has decided to remain loyal and stay with the Suns after they drafted him in the 2018 AFL Draft at pick six.

“I'm pumped to commit to the club and our playing group for what is going to be an exciting period for us,” King said.

“There's no ceiling to what we can achieve. I think we can challenge for premierships in the next few years and have the people and processes to do that.

“I love the group of boys we have, love the staff, love the community, and think we have the right people to challenge for flags in the future.”

In five years with the club to date, King has managed 73 appearances, kicking 129 goals in the process, and has won the club's leading goalkicker award in three of the four seasons he has played at the AFL level.

After missing the entire 2022 campaign, he bounced back strong last season and will be looking to climb up the ranks on the club's all-time goalkicking list - King sits in third behind Tom Lynch and Alex Sexton.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Ben King of the Suns and Darcy MacPherson celebrate a goal during the round 3 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium on June 21, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

General Manager of Player Talent & Strategy at the Gold Coast Suns, Craig Cameron spoke about the retention of King and was extremely happy to see him extend his time at the club.

“We know how much Ben loves being at the Gold Coast SUNS so it's pleasing to be able to finalise a new contract before the season starts to allow Ben to focus on helping us win on-field,” Cameron added.

“Ben is a key player in our future under Damien Hardwick and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve with the Gold Coast SUNS in the years to come.”