Lloyd Johnston, a young forward, has committed to staying with the Gold Coast Suns by signing a new contract that extends his tenure until at least 2026. Johnston, just 19 years old, has shown remarkable talent and promise since his days at the Northern Territory SUNS Academy. He was drafted into the AFL in 2022 through the Rookie Draft. Initially playing as a defender, Johnston transitioned to a pressure forward role in 2024 under the guidance of the new coach, Damien Hardwick.
Johnston made his AFL debut in Round 23 of last season and has since played a total of five games, three of which were this year. Known for his speed and agility, Johnston’s athleticism has been a standout feature of his playing style. His progress and versatility on the field have been significant since his shift in position.
In addition to his contributions in the AFL, Johnston had a noteworthy year in the VFL. He concluded the previous year as a premiership VFL player and continued to demonstrate his prowess in both the VFL and his limited AFL appearances this year. His performance has been consistently strong, earning him recognition and praise.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the future, Johnston emphasized his deep connection with the Suns and his excitement about continuing his AFL journey with the club. “I love this club and love coming to work every day with my closest mates,” Johnston shared in a club statement. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the club and his community in the AFL, stating that he does not take this chance for granted. Johnston is determined to become the best AFL player he can be, with the goal of helping the Suns win games. He looks forward to continuing to wear the Gold Coast SUNS jumper and making his family proud.
GC SUNS National Recruiting Manager Kall Burns highlighted Johnston’s impressive development since joining the club. Burns recalled Johnston’s arrival in 2022 as a raw yet talented prospect. Over the past two years, Johnston’s commitment to improving himself as a player has been evident. His dedication culminated in an opportunity to play at the AFL level late last year, showcasing his significant progress. Burns expressed confidence in Johnston’s continued growth and is excited to see how he evolves in the coming years.
Johnston hails from Borroloola, a small town approximately 1000 kilometers southeast of Darwin. His journey from a remote community to playing at the highest level of Australian rules football is a testament to his hard work and determination. With his new contract in place, Johnston is poised to make a lasting impact on the Gold Coast Suns and further establish himself as a key player for the team.
