Gold Coast Suns player Bodhi Uwland (Image via Gold Coast Media)

The Gold Coast Suns have confirmed young defender Bodhi Uwland will make his AFL debut against Sydney on Saturday night.

Uwland, a local product, has impressed coaches and teammates across the course of the pre-season and will likely slot into a role at half-back given Stuart Dew's injury-influenced selection planning.

The Suns are set to be without Conor Budarick, Wil Powell, Sean Lemmens and Lachie Weller for the start of the season, with the quartet of outs opening the door for Uwland's debut.

“I honestly can't wait to run out on Saturday night, I've supported the SUNS my whole life so to be able to play my first AFL match at home in front of friends and family will be so special,” Uwland told Suns Media.

“It hasn't been an easy road to get here so I definitely won't take it for granted, but I think it's just great to prove to myself that all the hard work I've put in has paid off.”

Uwland joined the Suns in 2021 as a Rookie Draft recruit out of Broadbeach through the club's Academy access.

Able to play as a medium-sized intercepting option and inside midfielder, Uwland will offer some versatility to the Suns' Round 1 plans.

Rhyce Shaw, Gold Coast's head of development, expressed his delight in Uwland earning his chance in the top flight.

“Bodhi has worked so hard for this opportunity and deserves to take his place in our Round 1 team,” Shaw said.

“We've been so impressed to see him go through what he did last year and come out the other side with such a hunger and determination to play AFL football.

“The way he applies himself to his craft and getting his body right typifies what we're about as a club, and we can't wait to see Bodhi pull on the jumper on the weekend.”

The Suns will host Sydney at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night, with the game to commence at 8:00pm (AEDT).