For StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate Rhianna Ingram, earning her AFLW debut has been a journey built on patience, persistence and a willingness to keep improving.
On Sunday, the lifelong SUNS fan will become AFLW Gold Coast SUN #92 and the eleventh young gun to debut in the red, gold and blue this season.
For Gold Coast SUNS AFLW Head Coach Rhyce Shaw, Ingram’s selection was a moment that reflected the work she had put in behind the scenes.
“Rhianna wasn't ready, and she's built herself up. She's worked on her game and got herself to a point where it's pretty hard to knock her back,” Shaw said.
“Rhianna gets that opportunity because she's worked hard and I'm really proud of her for that.”
The 18-year-old’s approach to her development has been consistent, with Shaw revealing the young SUN regularly sought out feedback and looked for ways to improve.
“Every single Monday morning I'll get a text from her, ‘can we meet on Wednesday and go through my vision and how do I get better, what do I do?'” Shaw said.
“That's been every single week since 2026 started, so she deserves it.”
The Southport Sharks junior will share her milestone match with AFLW veteran Lily Mithen, who is set to mark her 100th AFLW appearance.
It’s only the fitting the duo will celebrate together, with Mithen having been among the first to welcome Ingram to the SUNS whilst in Ireland last December.
“We're on the other side of the world, Niamh and I just happened to be 20 minutes from Belfast and we got to celebrate Rhianna being drafted and us now all being teammates,” Mithen said.
“It was a really cool welcome for her into AFLW footy and a great way to welcome her family into the club.”
Mithen highlighted the rebounding defender’s approach over the last nine months had been a defining part of her progress.
“Rhianna’s been working her backside off. It was really hard for her seeing 10 debutants in Round 1, and that wasn’t her turn,” Mithen shared.
“She’s had to grind out the last six weeks. She's come with a curious mind, a tenacity to get better and just done it all with a great sense of positivity and a smile on her face.
“Rhianna’s really deserving of this opportunity, and I can’t wait to see her speed and competitive nature be seen by all.”
Cheer on Ingram and Mithen this Sunday when the Gold Coast SUNS take on St Kilda at People First Stadium. Gates open at 4:15pm before the action gets underway from 5:05pm.
