The Gold Coast SUNS have farewelled three players with long-serving SUN Alex Sexton, Tom Berry and Lloyd Johnston informed they will not be offered contracts for 2026.
Sexton’s departure brings one of the longest tenures in the club’s history to a close, with the 31-year-old placed behind only games record holder David Swallow as the longest-serving SUN.
After joining the SUNS as a Queensland zone selection at the 2011 AFL Draft, Sexton played the majority of his 14-year journey at the club in the forward line, kicking 164 goals and leading the SUNS goalkicking in both 2018 and 2019.
Sexton currently sits third on the SUNS all-time goalkicking list, fourth for most games played and in 2021 became the fourth player to be inducted as Gold Coast SUNS life member.
Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Football Performance Wayne Campbell thanked Sexton for his dedication and commitment to the club over the past 14 seasons.
“Alex has been an integral member of this football club throughout the vast majority of its existence and we can’t understate the contribution he has made,” Campbell said.
“His versatility and ability to play a wide variety of roles on field, whilst also being an amazing teammate and mentor for our young and emerging players has been admirable.
“He will have a lasting impact on our club and we wish Alex, his wife Beck and daughters Olivia Alana all the best in what comes next.”
Hailing from Borroloola, 650km east of Katherine, Johnston was drafted to the club as a Northern Territory Zone selection in 2022. He played nine AFL games for the SUNS, making his AFL debut in Round 23, 2023 and also featured in the 2023 VFL premiership side.
Berry joined the club during the 2022 Trade Period from the Brisbane Lions and made his club debut in Round 8, 2023. He played a career-high 17 games in 2024, finishing with 23 appearances across three seasons in SUNS colours.
The trio join retirees David Swallow and Sean Lemmens in departing the club following the 2025 AFL season.
