Surrounded by family and friends at his Gippsland home, Gold Coast SUNS new recruit Jack Leslie says he was in utter shock when Scott Clayton read out his name at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Thursday night.

“I was just watching the draft at home with close friends and friends, and when it (his name) came up I was shocked and couldn’t believe it,” Leslie said.

Taken with the GC SUNS end of round one compensation pick, selection 20, Leslie is considered a future key tall defender, with his physicality for the contest a perfect attribute for the playing list’s backline depth.

Originally seen as an athletic ruckman, Leslie’s uncompromising desire to beat his man at the football has seen him emerge  as a defensive stopper.

“I love the physical nature down back, and hate losing to my opponent,” he said 

Strong and combative, Leslie is looking forward to adding more size to his 199cm frame over the summer.

“I’m definitely looking forward to turning in a strong pre-season,” Leslie said.

“I had a hampered pre-season last year, so it will be good to get a full pre-season and start training at AFL level.”