Gold Coast have committed a further four years to Academy product Joel Jeffrey, keeping him at the Suns until the end of 2028.
Jeffrey was picked up as part of Gold Coast's 2019 draft concessions from the Darwin Buffaloes of the Northern Territory Football League.
He has only managed 16 games in the big time, including seven in 2023, but has previously shown potential for forward stardom, kicking five goals in a Round 10 loss to the Bulldogs in 2022.
The extension coincides with Gold Coast's announcement of Darwin as a secondary home-ground location until the end of 2026, and two home matches to be played at TIO Stadium in 2024.
Jeffrey, being a Darwin local, is one of seven Suns players linked to the Northern Territory.
In the club's media release, Jeffrey emphasised gratitude and enthusiasm for the Suns, who will look to challenge for the club's first-ever finals berth under new coach Damien Hardwick.
“I was really keen to show my loyalty to the club and sign on long term with our exciting future ahead,” Jeffrey said.
“The SUNS have been my family away from home and to have the opportunity to come back to Darwin to play AFL games in my hometown is a privilege I will never take for granted.
“The club has shown faith in me and I can see we're going to have some great success in the coming years so I want to do everything I can to help the club towards that goal.”
General Manager of Player Talent & Strategy at Gold Coast Craig Cameron also highlighted Jeffrey's development during his time with the club.
“When Joel first joined the club he was very talented, but what has been most impressive has been seeing all the extra work he puts in to get the most out of himself on-field,” Cameron said.
“He's developed himself into such a versatile player who we can use at either end of the ground and I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty more of what Joel can offer at AFL level in the years to come.”
