Gold Coast SUNS star Mac Andrew has signed a five-year contract extension to remain with the club until the end of 2030.
Already contracted for next season, the new deal makes Andrew the longest-contracted player on the SUNS’ list and will take him through until he is 26.
Andrew compiled an impressive 2024 season which saw him deployed at both ends of the ground, where he established himself as a genuine swingman and one of the most exciting key position prospects in the AFL.
The 20-year-old said he was invested in the future of the Gold Coast SUNS and was fuelled by his desire to win.
“I love everything about this place. I’ve made a home for myself up here and have a great support base here,” Andrew said.
“I’m really keen to be a part of the first team that wins a Premiership on the Coast. To be the first to do that would be pretty special and something I really want to be a part of.
“It’s pretty evident we are heading in the right direction and I just want to play my role in what will be something great.
“I don’t want to take my career for granted, I really want to make the most of it and grab every opportunity with both hands.”
In 2021, Andrew, at 17 years of age, became the first player of South Sudanese heritage to be selected in the top five of the national draft after being taken by the SUNS fifth overall.
Originally deployed as an intercepting defender in 2024, Andrew was shifted forward for four matches and ended the year with eight goals in that time.
GC SUNS General Manager of Player Talent & Strategy Craig Cameron said the club was pleased to retain Andrew at the club.
“Mac has grown into an integral member of our football club. He has worked hard to improve his game and we look forward to continuing to see his development in the red and gold for at least the next six years,” Cameron said.
“He is the latest in a wave of players to commit to our club and pleasingly we now have a number of our key pillars locked in for the years to come.”
Andrew earned selection in the AFLPA 22Under22 team for the first time in 2024, and was involved in one of the moments of the season when he kicked a memorable match-winning goal after the siren against Essendon in Round 22.