The Gold Coast SUNS have strengthened its AFL squad, securing talented young pair Aidan Schubert and Sam Butler in a trade with Hawthorn.
The exciting duo will head north to the Gold Coast in a trade that also includes the exchange of several future draft picks.
The SUNS will receive the Hawks’ 2028 1st round selection and re-acquire its own 2027 3rd round pick that featured as part of the trade which brought Christian Petracca to the club in 2025.
In exchange, Hawthorn receives a 2027 2nd round pick, and 2028 1st and 2nd round selections.
“We’re thrilled to welcome both Aidan and Sam to the Gold Coast,” Gold Coast SUNS List and Recruitment Manager Kall Burns said.
“Our recruiting team scouted Aidan closely in his talent pathway years and continued monitoring his development in 2026 as a listed player.
“Sam has earned opportunities to play senior football, including several finals, at Hawthorn and we believe he has a big future ahead of him at our football club. We are excited about what both players will add to our squad.
“Both Aidan and Sam boast attributes that strongly align to a Damien Hardwick system and we’re looking forward to seeing them succeed in our environment.”
Schubert made his AFL debut late in the 2026 season after being selected by the Hawks with Pick 23 in the 2025 national draft.
The 195cm prospect was prolific throughout his draft year in 2025, named at full-forward in the Under 18 All Australian side and winning the SANFL Under 18 MVP.
Butler has played 33 AFL games since being drafted with Pick 23 in the 2021 national draft, including eight matches in 2026.
The 23-year-old is a genuine two-way player boasting both elite defensive traits and the ability to impact the scoreboard, kicking 19 goals in his career to date.
Schubert and Butler become the latest additions to the SUNS' list, joining VFL/AFL games record holder Scott Pendlebury, as the club continues to strengthen its playing group ahead of the 2027 AFL season.
The Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period concludes on Wednesday, October 14.
Trade summary
SUNS send: 2027 2nd round selection (Gold Coast), 2028 1st round selection (Gold Coast), 2028 2nd round selection (Gold Coast)
SUNS receive: Aidan Schubert, Sam Butler, 2027 3rd round selection (Gold Coast), 2028 1st round selection (Hawthorn)
