Defender Max Spencer is the third Gold Coast academy player to become a SUN this week, joining fellow graduates Jack Bowes and Brad Scheer.

The Palm Beach-Currumbin product, who joins the SUNS as a category B rookie, is another example of how the club’s elite junior development program is proving to be a vehicle for Queensland talent to make their way into the AFL system.

Spencer is the sixth success story to graduate from the club’s Queensland recruitment program and onto the Gold Coast SUNS playing list, joining former academy players Andrew Boston, Jarred Ellis, Jesse Joyce, Bowes and Scheer.

Spencer played 11 NEAFL games with the club in 2016 alongside SUNS-listed players, averaging 14 disposals and kicking five goals.

“It has a been a dream for a long time to play AFL football, so to play for the Gold Coast SUNS is a dream come true,” he said.

GC SUNS Talent Academy Manager – Jason Torney, delivered the good news to his now Academy graduate.

“I got a phone call this morning from Jason Torney, who rang me and gave me the good news and obviously wasn’t expecting it that early, was expecting some-time this afternoon but I couldn’t be happier.”

Spencer credited the GC SUNS Talent Academy for helping him reach closer towards his AFL dream.

“It was crucial, thankful for Jason and Aaron Rogers, and Andrew Raines, to give me the opportunity to improve and succeed through the academy, and obviously the opportunities that came through the academy have led me to where I am today so I am incredibly grateful.”

The Gold Coast SUNS have now finalised its playing list for the 2017 season.