The Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to confirm the signing of Sam Fletcher after he agreed to join the club as part of the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).

With a list spot still available following last year’s rookie draft, the club moved to add the 19-year-old inside midfielder, who had been training with VFL side Box Hill throughout the pre-season.

Fletcher will join the club after progressing through the elite pathway programs as a junior, playing alongside new teammates, Jack Lukosius and Ben King with the AFL Academy side.

“It’s been my dream to play AFL at the highest level and I’m grateful the SUNS have given me that opportunity,” said Fletcher.

“I’m looking forward to getting up to the Gold Coast, and doing everything I can, to give myself the best chance of playing footy.”

Fletcher was overlooked in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft after a frustrating year with injury, however has managed to turn his fortunes around and has continued to work hard over the past four months.

“I knew I just had to keep working hard, keep working on my game and hopefully an opportunity would arise,” Fletcher said.

General Manager Football Operations, Jon Haines was excited by the prospects of Fletcher as part of the Gold Coast SUNS.

“We’re really looking to add some further depth to our midfield and we’ve been monitoring Sam’s progress over the past couple of months,” Haines said.

“He joins us with a really professional work ethic, a fantastic attitude and great talent as an inside midfielder.”

“Sam displays the character standards we are targeting in potential recruits and has often been recognised for his leadership capabilities within the elite pathway teams he has been apart of.”

Sam will be welcomed to the club on Monday and be available to train and play with the club throughout the 2019 AFL Season.