The Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to announce the AFLW priority signing of Tayla Thorn to the club.

Thorn, 21, has AFLW experience already with the Adelaide Crows, playing five out of seven games in 2017 before spending time away from the game.

Originally from Darwin, Thorn returned to football with the NT Thunder in its inaugural VFLW campaign.

“I’m very humbled,” Thorn said.

“I’m looking forward to the 2020 season, I think I can bring different skill sets and leadership skills so I’m very excited to share that and I’ve come back bigger, better and stronger.

“Every club has their traits and family is a big trait for me and Gold Coast has the same.

“I feel like it’s a perfect match for me so I’m very excited.”

Thorn played two games for the SUNS in the recent QW Winter Series where she impressed in defence.

Standing at 174cm, she has the ability to play tall or small and relies on her athleticism and endurance to rebound out of the backline with run and carry.

She also brings physicality through her tackling and isn’t afraid to go up for a contested mark.

Off the field, Thorn works as a development officer in Darwin where she acts as a mentor for female Indigenous youth.

Thorn’s signature makes her the 20th member of the SUNS’ AFLW list, with two priority spots still available to fill before the August 30 deadline.

Any remaining selections will then be taken into the NAB AFL Women’s Draft in mid-October.

