A childhood dream at the Burleigh Bombers has become an AFLW finals reality for Gold Coast SUNS winger Bronte Parker.
Despite an ACL injury interrupting her draft year, the local talent was selected by the SUNS with Pick No. 32 in the 2025 AFLW Draft.
The 19-year-old is now set to play in her first AFLW final against Hawthorn at People First Stadium on Sunday, following an impressive debut season.
Parker is one of several former Burleigh Bombers juniors who will run out on Sunday, alongside Lucy Single, Havana Harris, Ava Usher and Mikayla Nurse.
"We were all just little girls once just chasing a dream, and it's so good just to be together and witness it together," Parker said.
"We just keep pushing each other to strive to get the best."
Parker's commitment to improving her craft hasn't gone unnoticed, with co-captain Single praising her development throughout the season.
"What I love about Bronte is she's always looking to learn and to experience more things," Single said.
"She's someone I always see out on the track doing extra touches or in Shawry's office trying to pick his brain.
"Her development, I'd say, has been pretty rapid. And that's true to her hard work and commitment to the game itself."
That same drive helped the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate through her ACL rehabilitation, with family, friends and SUNS rehabilitation staff member Charlie Matterson supporting her throughout the process.
"I remember I had a board at home and I'd tick off each week that I got through my ACL rehab. Just looking at that just helped me get through it as well," Parker said.
"My family got around me, made sure there wasn't a single sad day."
Back on the field, Parker has moved from her usual midfield role to the wing this season.
"Coming into the team this year, I'm playing wing, so it's a bit of a different role, but I'm loving the challenges that it's throwing at me," Parker said.
Parker has worked closely with coaches Selina Priest and Sam Iles to continue developing her game.
"Selina has always been there for me, always putting in extras, and Sam as well. He's done extras with me throughout the year," Parker said.
With her first AFLW final on the horizon, Parker is excited about what the SUNS can achieve together.
"The team connection is so good, like so strong. We all hang out outside of footy and I just honestly couldn't ask for a better group, to be honest," she said.
"I feel like our team is so ready for it and we'll just give it our all."
Don’t miss Bronte's moment. Secure your tickets and cheer on the SUNS in the AFLW First Elimination Final this Sunday at People First Stadium from 2:05pm.
