Young midfielder Bronte Parker has wasted no time making her mark in her first AFLW season, featuring in each of the Gold Coast SUNS’ opening six rounds.
After progressing through the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy and competing at QAFLW level, Parker made the step up to AFLW this season alongside a large group of Academy graduates.
The transition has brought a new level of intensity, but Parker has embraced the opportunity to test herself at the highest level.
“It's definitely a massive step up, but the intent everyone shows that everyone really wants to be here,” Parker said.
“It's been really good. All the girls are so supportive and welcoming.
“It's just an amazing atmosphere, I don't feel out of place.”
Parker’s introduction to AFLW has also come with a familiar support network, with fellow SUNS Academy graduates Rhianna Ingram, Ava Usher, Sunny Lappin, Mikayla Nurse, Georja Davies, Alannah Welsh and Dekota Baron making the transition into the senior program alongside her.
“It's so good because we're experiencing it all together,” she said.
“If there's challenges, we go through it together. It's good to not go through things alone.”
Her first AFLW season has also marked another important step following her return from an ACL injury. After rupturing her ACL in the early months of 2025, in only her second Coates Talent League game of the year, Parker missed the reminder of her Talent League and QAFLW campaign as she completed her rehab.
“It was a long year, but it definitely taught me resilience and to not take anything for granted,” Parker shared.
“One little thing and you could be on the sidelines for a year. Just give everything you've got, no holding back.”
The 19-year-old entered the season with modest expectations, simply hoping to experience AFLW football for herself.
“I just really wanted to play one game, to see how it felt,” the young SUN shared.
“I remember pre-season I was scared to even take the track because of my knee.
“I've played all the games up to now, which is really rewarding.”
With 99-gamer Lily Mithen providing experience on the wing, Parker has had the opportunity to learn from one of the AFLW’s most experienced players while adjusting to the demands of her new position.
“Coming into AFLW and then learning a new position has been pretty hard, but I've got the best people around me,” Parker added.
“Lily’s been really good, she knows exactly what she's doing.”
Having now made it through the opening six rounds, Parker's confidence has continued to build with each appearance. She has quickly gone from wanting just one opportunity to becoming a consistent part of the SUNS’ season.
“Game after game I felt I didn’t need to hold back anymore just because of one injury,” the young SUN said.
“Slowly coming back and proving to myself that I am strong enough, is when I gained more confidence.
“We're all very keen to see where we can go because we're sitting six on the ladder right now.
“Our hard work is showing. We all get around each other and we know what we have to do.”
The SUNS return to People First Stadium this Sunday to take on St Kilda, eyeing what would be a fourth consecutive victory.
