The Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to announce the signing of Maddy Roberts as an AFLW priority selection.
At 26 Roberts is a crafty small forward with great goal sense, playing local football for the Coolangatta Bluebirds.
She was also part of the 2018 Winter Series and was a member of the SUNS’ AFLW Summer Academy program.
The Gold Coast local has representative experience, playing for the Queensland U23 side in previous years and has also been a part of the Brisbane Lions train-on squad.
WATCH: Get to know Maddy Roberts
Roberts told SUNS Media this moment had been a long time coming.
“It’s been a few years coming so it’s nice to put pen to paper,” Roberts said.
“We had the Summer Academy and I put my heart into that and I gave that my all.
“I feel a part of the family, I’ve never felt so close to a club before.
“To say it was physically and mentally tough would be a big understatement but I’m glad I kept chipping away because there’s not an inch in my body that will take it for granted.”
SUNS AFLW Senior Coach David Lake has been a spectator through Roberts’ ups and downs over the years and said he was very proud to give her the opportunity she deserved.
“I went on her journey, it was a pretty tough journey,” Lake said.
“Rejection when you’re having a crack to chase something you really want.
WATCH: Thorn proud to represent SUNS in QW Winter Series
“We’d play rep games, she’d get best on ground and do everything she can do but she’d never get the ultimate reward of getting on a list.
“Then she made the decision to make this her footy club.
“She’s waited, she’s been patient, she didn’t go in last year’s draft and now she gets the chance to make this her footy club.”
Roberts will play in Saturday’s QW Winter Series match against the Lions, with her signing taking the SUNS’ AFLW list to a total of 16.
GC SUNS AFLW list as of May 24
- Charlotte Hammans
- Ellie Hampson
- Kitara Whap-Farrar
- Jamie Stanton
- Tori Groves-Little
- Paige Parker
- Tiarna Ernst
- Jacqui Yorston
- Sam Virgo
- Lauren Bella
- Emma Pittman
- Leah Kaslar
- Jasmyn Hewett
- Jordann Hickey
- Sally Riley
- Maddy Roberts
