585 days after being drafted to her hometown club, StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate Sienna McMullen will finally get the chance to run out in SUNS colours.

The 19-year-old spent the 2024 season sidelined recovering from an ACL injury suffered late the year prior, and now with a full pre-season under her belt, will feature in Friday evening’s match simulation against the Brisbane Lions at Brighton Homes Arena.

It’s fair to say anticipation is at fever pitch for the Burleigh Bombers junior.

“I'm so excited to first of all be playing with the team for the first time. Last year I felt like the one thing I missed out on was to do all the hard training but then have the chance to execute it into training and games with the team,” McMullen said.

“The chance to play the Lions first up is also another exciting thing in itself. We always know it’s going to be a challenge, so I think being able to put ourselves to the test first up is great.”

While a debut season without the chance of playing a match would weigh heavily on most, the young midfielder took it in her stride with a simple focus driving her throughout the year.

“I knew I just wanted to be a team player and do whatever's best for the team. It kind of made it better because I never had to fight for a spot, and all I wanted to do was just make the team better.

02:25

McMullen "the whole experience was amazing"

SUNS Academy graduate and now player Sienna McMullen reflects back on the draft experience in her first media op as an AFLW player.

“It was easy in that regard, but it was just so hard that none of your hard work is ever going to be seen off the field.

“I've had a very successful pre-season this year, which I'm really happy about. I've grown in areas which I never thought I would grow in. The change in mental dynamic for me is massive, and it's just made it even more exciting.”

Despite not playing a match in 2024, McMullen was named as the SUNS Most Professional at last year’s Club Champion and is expected to feature on a wing under new Head Coach Rhyce Shaw.

Queensland rivals and 2024 Grand Finalists the Brisbane Lions are the first test for the SUNS under Shaw, but it’s a test that side are looking forward to.

“It's a good chance to test us and see where we are against one of the best teams in the comp. We've all got different areas that we think we can showcase and hopefully exploit some of their weaknesses too.

Friday evening’s match simulation gets underway at 5pm at Brighton Homes Arena.

Tickets are now on sale for the Gold Coast SUNS’ six home matches for the NAB AFLW 2025 season.

Tickets are now on sale for all four matches at People First Stadium for just $15 for adults and free entry for juniors (0-17 years). Click here to secure your seats. Tickets are also available here for the Round 10 match against the Western Bulldogs at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena and the final home match of the season against Collingwood at Bond University.

Gold Coast SUNS AFLW memberships are the best way to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action in 2025. Beginning from just $50, enjoy exclusive member benefits, discounts and communications and the chance to see your favourite AFLW stars in action.