The Gold Coast SUNS will unleash 2021 number five draft pick Mac Andrew for his first AFL game on Sunday afternoon at Metricon Stadium.

An intercepting key defender, Andrew has played 15 matches in the VFL this season and averaged 15 disposals and five marks per game.

The 18-year-old first heard the news on Thursday afternoon when it was announced in a team meeting.

“This is honestly a dream come true, I still can’t believe it,” Andrew said.

“For Stuey to announce it in-front of the playing group was such an amazing feeling, all the team were jumping on top of me, it’s impossible to describe how good it felt.”

Standing at 201cm, the Egyptian-born, South Sudanese talent has super athleticism for his size and possesses great aerial ability while also being equally skilful at ground level.

“Since joining the club, the staff, players and our members have been so supportive of me and helping me to reach this point, I can’t thank them enough.”

When he runs out on Sunday afternoon at Metricon, there will be only one focus for young Andrew.

“It will be an incredible feeling; my family have put in an enormous amount to provide me with this opportunity and they will be here cheering me on from the stands.

“But my focus will just be on carrying my form into the game, playing my role for the team and doing whatever I can to help us get the win, I can’t wait.

Andrew was the first player of South Sudanese heritage to be selected within the first five picks in the national draft.

The squad for Sunday’s 1:10pm match against West Coast at Metricon Stadium will be announced at 6:20pm tonight.