Tasmanian defender Avery Thomas has become the fifth young talent drafted to the Gold Coast SUNS at the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft.
Thomas was taken by the SUNS with Pick 28 on Thursday night, becoming the first selection to hail from the Apple Isle at this year’s draft.
Touted as a highly-competitive and versatile lockdown defender, GC SUNS National Recruiting Manager Kall Burns is pleased to welcome Thomas to the Gold Coast.
“Avery is an incredibly versatile player with an impressive combination of traits and skills that we believe will add great value to our squad,” Burns said.
“We believe he compliments our other acquisitions completed via Trade & Draft.
“We’re thrilled for him to earn this opportunity with our club and excited to see him develop and grow under Damien Hardwick.”
The 18-year-old Launceston product is known for his strong intercepting ability whilst also impressing in both the speed and agility tests at this year’s National Combine.
Thomas featured for the Tasmania Devils across the last two Coates Talent League seasons and also earned selection in the Allies squad at the 2025 Under 18 National Championships where he played three games.
The selection is the SUNS’ fifth across the two nights of the Telstra AFL Draft, alongside Zeke Uwland (Pick 2), Dylan Patterson (Pick 5), Jai Murray (Pick 17) and Beau Addinsall (Pick 18).
