He turned 20 on Sunday, but Andrew Boston could get a late birthday present with a call-up to the 22 for the clash with last year’s losing grand finalist, Fremantle, in Perth next Saturday.

The Broadbeach junior started this season on the on the GC SUNS’ rookie list but he was promoted to the senior group earlier this month after ruckman Zac Smith was placed on the club’s long-term injury list.

He almost earned a spot in the team which beat Richmond in round 1, but missed the final cut and played in the curtain-raiser in a trial match against Southport instead, with Timmy Sumner getting the nod from coaching staff in the end.  It has not deterred Boston, who is raring to go after some solid work over summer.

“The pre-seasons are massive and it improves your fitness and work rate,” Boston said.

“It was a really important thing for me to work on, my fitness, so pre-season was massive for me this year and it’s really helped me for the year.”

After starting his first three AFL matches as a substitute mid-year, Boston really got the chance to shine throughout the back end of 2013.  

He had five inside 50s from 11 possessions in the stunning win over Collingwood in round 17, but it was in front of goal that he made SUNS fans sit up and take notice.  He kicked three straight against Port Adelaide in round 21 and backed that up by slotting 4.0 in the 83-point hammering of GWS in the final round.

Those efforts cemented his reputation as one of the best kicks in the club and Smith’s misfortune has opened the door for Boston to build on that excellent close to last campaign.

“I finished 2013 football season pretty well.  I was hoping I would get promoted.”

“It is disappointing for Zac but it’s great for me.”

“I get an opportunity to play more senior football, which is great, but I’ve got to keep working hard, playing good footy and hopefully it comes up.”

Boston has not played senior footy in Perth, yet, or come up against Freo’s suffocating defence, but he hopes to gain both experiences against the Dockers in a week’s time.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge.  I think the boys are all up to it.

“We pride ourselves on being a great defensive team and that’s what Fremantle are.

“We’re going over there positive and hoping for a win.”