From as young as six-years-old, young SUN Avery Thomas was destined for an elite sporting future.

Growing up in the Apple Isle, Thomas immersed himself in multiple codes, competing across soccer, Aussie Rules and athletics - a foundation he now believes has given him a competitive advantage.

At 15, Thomas made the decision to hang up his soccer boots, and up until his 17th year his athletic talent was shining on the national stage, where he excelled in decathlon events and decorated himself in titles.

It wasn’t until his draft year, however, that Thomas fully committed to chasing his AFL dream. The 18-year-old’s athletic prowess was on full display at the National Combine where he finished in the top 10 for the 20‑metre sprint, AFL agility test, running vertical jump and standing vertical jump.

“Athletics has really given me an advantage in a lot of areas like speed and power and I feel like that gives me a bit of an edge,” Thomas reflected.

“Growing up I think that has really helped me along the way and I think it continues to because it sets me apart a little bit.

“Having the skills and being able to improve those over the course of the next couple of years to make myself a better overall athlete is the main goal.”

Having been drafted from across the strait, acclimatising to the Gold Coast hasn’t been the only adjustment for the highly touted talent. The Tasmanian product finds himself in a unique position leaping from the U18s Talent league to the AFL.

“I knew it was going to be a hell of a step up from 18s, so I prepared myself for AFL through putting hours in the gym and just around the footy, getting extras in trying to get ready for that step up,” Thomas said.

“I've got a handle of the SUNS system entirely now, so everything comes easier now and I just know it off the back of my hand.”

The young SUN praised fellow defenders and coaching staff who have invested in his development over the pre-season.

“Dimma (Damien Hardwick), Drummo (Josh Drummond), Code (James Tsitats) and all the coaches have been super easy to talk to and it's really good to get feedback off them,” Thomas noted.

“It’s helped me a lot in the five months I've been here and I think it's really fast-tracked me to potentially hopefully playing AFL pretty soon and that's the goal.”

“Sam Collins, Wil Powell and all the backs have also been really good. Everyone's been really supportive and helpful and good to seek feedback off, so I've just been learning off them and it's been awesome.”

Thomas has also had the opportunity to learn from former SUNS stars Alex Sexton and David Swallow across the VFL program, praising the pair for their experience and attitudes. 

“Having that experience out there is really helpful because they've been through it, done it before. You know you're always going to be backed up and even out there you can always still have fun and they try to keep a smile on our faces.

“It’s been super good for me, Secco always comes to me and if I take something on that's maybe a bit risky, he encourages me ‘that's what we want to do’.

“I go to Secco from time to time (for advice) and he’s been really good with our development and coming out here with us first year boys.”

SUNS fans caught glimpses of the versatile defender’s prized traits in the first hitout of the Smithy’s VFL season – a match the 2025 Draftee took plenty of learnings from.

“It felt awesome to be playing footy again. I was super happy and excited for technically the first time putting on the red and gold for the Gold Coast SUNS,” Thomas said,

“I think we played our system a fair bit, but we went away from it sometimes and played  against ourselves a little bit, but it's all a learning curve.

“Individually I felt like I played well offensively and contest-wise but there's always work to be put in. Thinking about the next step ahead, always being focused on the game, not zoning out for a little bit, but always being locked in and engaged the entire time - I think that's a big one for me.

“But otherwise, I feel like it was a good first hitout. We go into Southport in a couple of weeks and hopefully we can come out with a win.”

Catch all the Gold Coast’s AFL and VFL action across the Easter weekend. Cheer on the SUNS VFL at Fankhauser Reserve, Southport on Saturday 4 April from 12:05pm before the SUNS face the Melbourne Demons at the MCG on Sunday 5 April.

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