Electric StreetSmarts SUNS Academy product Dylan Patterson will make his AFL debut in Saturday’s sold out blockbuster against Collingwood at People First Stadium.
Patterson was told the news he would be playing his first AFL game on Thursday morning in front of the SUNS playing group by close friend and teammate Leo Lombard.
The explosive Palm Beach Currumbin junior was drafted to the SUNS with Pick 5 in the 2025 AFL Draft, and becomes the fourth StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate to make their debut this season.
Boasting elite raw speed and power, Patterson has been deployed commonly as a half-back and most recently in midfield with his willingness to take the game on catching the eyes of SUNS coaches throughout 10 VFL games in 2026.
“We are thrilled to see Dylan earn the opportunity to make his AFL debut at home on Saturday evening,” GC SUNS General Manager of Football Craig Cameron said.
“Since being drafted, Dylan has worked incredibly hard to ensure he was best placed to take this step when the opportunity presented.
“He becomes the fourth Gold Coaster and graduate of our Academy program to earn a debut this year, which is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved in his journey so far.”
The final team to take on Collingwood will be named at 6:20pm on Thursday evening.
