Gold Coast Talent Academy graduate Brad Scheer has signed a contract extension with the Gold Coast SUNS.

The Palm-Beach Currumbin local has extended his contact, tying him to his home city until at least the end of 2019.

Scheer and Talent Academy teammate Jack Bowes were both recruited to the SUNS at the 2016 NAB AFL National Draft held in Sydney.

A solidly-built inside midfielder, Scheer also has the ability to shift forward and kick goals.

He averaged 25 disposals in last year’s NAB AFL U-18 championships, and earned a NEAFL Rising Star nomination in his first game for the SUNS NEAFL team, following his 27 touches and eight-inside 50s against the Brisbane Lions reserves in round 15.

“I’m thrilled to have re-signed with the SUNS, I have been part of the club for the past five years as a member of the Talent Academy,” Scheer said.

“Personally, it was a straight forward decision. I didn’t need to think twice, and couldn’t wait to sign to stay on the Gold Coast.”

Despite only residing 15km away from the club’s new $22 million training & administration base, Scheer said the playing group and coaching staff had gone above and beyond to truly make him and his fellow draftees feel at “home”.

Scheer also praised the club’s development coaches.

“All the players have been great, there hasn’t been one stand-out but rather a collective effort, to welcome me and the other guys to the club.”

“I’ve worked really closely with “Skinny” [Matthew] Lappin and Aaron Rogers, who was also the Academy coach during my time there, so it has been great developing under the guidance of those coaches.”

GC SUNS List & Strategy Manager – Scott Clayton, credited the Stride Sports Management team for proactive negotiations, and said the club was thrilled to extend Scheer’s contract.

“Our Talent Academy continues to grow and it’s a credit to the staff we’ve got throughout Queensland that the Academy is starting to produce quality young players,” Clayton said.

“The Gold Coast SUNS Academy provides a clear pathway for junior athletes, in particular promising AFL prospects, and shows that they can stay here in Queensland and have an AFL career.

“Brad Scheer, as well as Jack Bowes, are testaments to that and we believe both are long-term players for our football club.”