The Gold Coast SUNS today notified the AFL it will activate one of the clubs three prized first-round compensation picks to be used at the 2013 NAB AFL Draft on the Gold Coast.

GC SUNS List and Strategy Manager Scott Clayton said the decision to activate the first-round compensation pick would ensure the club had even greater access to the best young talent available in this year’s draft and beyond.

“We now approach the 2013 AFL Draft knowing that we will have two first round draft selections, and will also add Jack Martin to our senior list at the end of the season,” Clayton said.

“As we continue to build our list we devised a strategy to secure as many compensation picks  in future drafts enabling us to spread the age of our playing list selecting elite talent in future drafts.”

Clayton confirmed that the GC SUNS would use the end round one selection (Compensation for the loss of Nathan Bock. Traded from the Adelaide Crows to Richmond in the 2010 trade period; traded from Richmond to the GC Suns in the 2011 trade period). To be taken at the end of round one immediately after the selection of the premiership club.

Clayton believes the GC SUNS investment into future drafts will be instrumental as the team aims to climb up the ladder.

“It’s really important to be able to add even more elite talent to our team as we aim to move up the ladder and by activating our three compensation picks over the next three years it gives us every opportunity to continue to strengthen out list with additional elite talent."

The GC SUNS still hold the following compensations to be activated in future draft.

Geelong Cats - Gary Ablett - round one selection. (Traded to the GC Suns in 2012 trade period).

Fremantle - Rhys Palmer  - end round one selection (Traded to the Giants in 2011 for round one pick 20. Traded to the GC Suns in 2012).