The Gold Coast SUNS have elevated mature-aged rookie Keegan Brooksby off the rookie list to replace Jarrod Garlett, who will likely miss the remainder of the season after having an ankle reconstruction.



After being widely regarded as the premier ruckman outside the AFL, Brooksby was recruited with selection No. 42 in last December’s rookie draft from SANFL club South Adelaide. The ruckman was rewarded for his impressive maiden pre-season at Metricon Stadium with two NAB Challenge appearances against Geelong and Greater Western Sydney.



The 25-year-old has been named amongst the SUNS' best players in three of his five appearances at NEAFL level this season, including twice being named best on ground by reserves coach Josh Fraser.



At just 196cm, the South Australian is considered undersized for a ruckman, but what he lacks in height, he makes up with his large appetite for the contest. Fraser has repeatedly lauded Brooksby’s ferocious competitiveness, which complements his ruck craft well.



Brooksby is edging closer by the week to an AFL debut. His performance against Southport in round five (the last game the reserves played) firmly put his name up for senior selection by collecting 27 disposals, 41 hitouts and 11 clearances.