Saturday’s NEAFL practice match against Palm Beach Currumbin saw draftee Wil Powell run out in a SUNS guernsey for the first time.

The 18-year-old spent most of his time playing as a high half-forward and was able to hit the scoreboard too, recording seven shots at goal.

Despite there not being any premiership points on the line, Powell was excited for the run as he continues his development as an AFL player. 

It’s been six months since the draftee’s last game of football and it’s clear how excited he was to be back out on the field with his teammates.

“It was an awesome experience, finally being able to put on the SUNS guernsey against Palm Beach, it was only a praccy match, but putting it on is pretty special and running out with some of the boys, it’s awesome,” Powell told SUNS TV.

“The performance was good, it was just a practice match but the team played real well, structures were good, team performance. Snagged a couple of goals, which was good to get under my belt, but yeah all round good performance by the team.“

READ: NEAFL – SUNS continue solid form

Coming to the SUNS weighing 68kgs, one of the focus areas for Powell has been adding some bulk to his frame.

That has meant eating plenty of food and spending lots of time on the gym, which are both tasks that the youngster has tackled head on, with the result an additional 5kg.

The extra weight and strength certainly helped on Saturday against the QAFL Premiers, when Powell faced plenty of big bodies.

“I’ve been working real hard over my weight over the preseason, eating a lot, gymming a lot, I’ve put on 5kgs now, came at the club at 68kgs and I’m 73(kgs).

“It felt real good with bigger bodies, I think the extra 5kgs helps a bit running around with bigger bodies around me as well, bit stronger through the hips as well.”