Since joining the SUNS with pick 4 in the 2025 NAB AFLW Draft, Sunny Lappin has embraced every challenge in her first AFLW pre-season.
The StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate has quickly found her feet in the professional environment, accelerated by working under the wing of SUNS co-captain Lucy Single.
The young SUN described Single as someone who made the transition into the Gold Coast’s AFLW program seamless.
“Lucy was my buddy way back when we first started in the pre pre-season, she's had my back the whole time,” Lappin said.
“Lucy’s been really good integrating all of us younger players into the group and making us feel really welcome and seen.
“She's a great role model and a great leader and she's fun to have a chat with as well.”
Over the last five months, the 18-year-old has put her best foot forward, making significant strides in her development.
“My physicality around the contest has gotten a lot better,” Lappin added.
“I have a lot more confidence in myself and my ability to hold my own in there.
“It’s been hard, but it's been so fun at the same time and so rewarding.”
Football has always been part of Lappin’s life, with the young SUN following in the footsteps of her father, Matthew Lappin who has over 250 games of AFL experience.
His support has mattered most to her throughout her journey, coaching her to a QAFLW Premiership with the Southport Sharks in 2025 where she also claimed Best on Ground.
"Dad has been in my corner supporting me no matter what," Lappin shared.
"He's always told me to put my best foot forward, attack everything that I do head on, with 100 per cent effort and show him what I can do."
While eager to test herself against elite opponents across the SUNS midfield and forward territory, Lappin isn’t focussed on where she lines up for the upcoming season, her focus instead on earning an opportunity.
“I’m so excited to crack into the season and the practice matches coming up,” Lappin said.
"It'll be super fun to match up against such a well-known and well-respected opposition and I'm really excited to see what we can bring.
“I'd be lucky to play anywhere I can get my hands on the footy.”
Rhyce Shaw will name a 24-player team on Friday afternoon ahead of Saturday’s practice match against Carlton.
Cheer on the SUNS at People First Stadium from 12pm with free entry available from 11:30am.
