StreetSmarts SUNS Academy prospect Sunny Lappin has confirmed her intentions to nominate the Gold Coast SUNS in the upcoming Telstra AFLW Draft.

Sunny is the daughter of Matthew Lappin who played 196 games for Carlton and 55 games for St Kilda, making the Gold Coast product eligible as a father-daughter selection on top of her academy ties to the SUNS.

The 17-year-old shared her insights behind the significant decision with SUNS media on Tuesday.

“I had a huge decision to make and lots to consider - a big one was family and friends and the idea of moving interstate. I don’t think I’d play as good of footy if I was somewhere else other than where all my favourite people are,” Lappin said.

“I also had Rhyce Shaw as a coach in the Academy and I think that he’s building something special at the Gold Coast SUNS and that’s something I’d really love to be apart of.”

Lappin will be in high demand come December’s AFLW Draft, after strong performances across the U18 Girls 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships where she averaged an impressive 25.2 disposals (12.5 contested), 5.5 clearances and 4.2 tackles. Lappin was awarded Team MVP on top of runner-up best and fairest player of the tournament, amassing 23 votes.

The crafty midfielder/forward went on to earn her maiden All-Australian honours before being named Best on Ground in the 2025 Bond University QAFLW Senior Grand Final, following a dominant performance, which included kicking two goals. 

Lappin was one of five StreetSmarts SUNS Academy prospects to earn All Australian selection in 2025 and one of seven Academy talents invited to attend the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft Combine earlier this month. 

Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Player Talent and Strategy Craig Cameron says the club is thrilled with the young Gold Coaster’s decision.

“Sunny is a promising young prospect, and a valued member of the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy. It’s fantastic that she has signalled her intent to nominate our club ahead of this year’s AFLW Draft,” Cameron said.