Gold Coast forward Nick Holman has extended his contract with the club until the end of 2019.

Holman, who came to the SUNS during last year’s NAB AFL Trade and Draft period, said he was “pumped” to extend his future at the club.

“Dewy and the coaching staff, the faith they’ve shown in me, I’m so thankful for that opportunity the SUNS have given me and super excited for another year,” Holman said.

“I wasn’t really sure how the whole year was going to pan out but it’s worked out really well.

“The boys have been really good and all the coaching staff have helped me out so yeah here we are.

“Hopefully I can give back to them what I owe.”

Holman has played every match so far this year and impressed with his determination and work ethic both on and off the field.

The 22-year-old was drafted by Carlton in the 2013 National Draft and played just nine AFL matches before being delisted.

He was given a lifeline by the SUNS after plying his trade in the SANFL for two years at Central District Football Club.

With realistic expectations heading into the season Holman said he had surprised himself in his first year back in the AFL system, by playing every game so far.

“I was hoping to play maybe five games, that’s probably what my mark was at the start of the year,” he said.

“But as the year’s gone on we’ve had a couple of injuries that probably favoured me a bit, I’ve been lucky enough to play them all so yeah that’s exciting.”

Gold Coast’s GM – List & Strategy, Craig Cameron, said Holman’s commitment to the club was just another example of the playing group buying in to the environment we’re creating at the SUNS.

“It’s fantastic to see Nick re-sign with the club, he has made the most of the opportunities presented having worked extremely hard over the pre-season to give himself the best possible chance to play senior football,” Cameron said.

“We look forward to Nick bringing that same energy and desire to succeed for the rest of the season and into next year.”

Holman joins Sean Lemmens, Wil Powell, Charlie Ballard and Brayden Fiorini as exciting prospects to re-sign with the club this year.