The Gold Coast Suns have confirmed that star forward Ben King has informed the club of his desire to exercise his free agency rights.
Monday's decision from the sixth selection in the 2018 National Draft ends fervent conjecture from many corners of the landscape as to where the sharpshooter will ply his trade beyond this season, having spent a large portion of his adult life on the Glitter Strip.
A move home to his native Victoria has always appeared likely, and Hawthorn remain in the box seat to land the 26-year-old. Interest from clubs like Collingwood, and St Kilda, who boast twin brother Max having drafted him two selections earlier, saw their pursuits shot down earlier in the year.
King has kicked 315 goals from 143 outings for the Suns, enough to lead the club's goalkicking five times, and net himself three consecutive podium finishes in the league's Coleman Medal.
Ben King has today informed the club of his intention to explore his options as a restricted free agent during the upcoming free agency period.
The Free Agency period opens on Friday, October 2. pic.twitter.com/vO181YA28E
— Gold Coast Suns (@GoldCoastSUNS) August 24, 2026
The Suns maintain the right to match any offer put to their star, given his 'restricted' free agency status, meaning a trade is likely.
As per the Suns' own media release, King has not informed the club of his desire to join a given club, but Hawthorn appear all but certain to land the Haileybury product.
