The Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to announce Jamie Stanton as the club’s first AFLW expansion signing as part of the 2019 AFLW Sign & Trade Period.

Stanton becomes the fourth AFLW player to join the SUNS list after the club announced its three inaugural signings in February this year.

A 166cm inside midfielder, Stanton comes to the club from North Melbourne after starting her career with the Brisbane Lions in the first season of AFLW.

Stanton played in two Grand Finals for the Lions and finished second in the club’s best and fairest in 2018.

She also represented the Gold Coast SUNS in the 2018 Winter Series and played her local football on the Gold Coast for Coolangatta before moving to Wilston Grange.

SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona McLarty said Stanton would be a huge player for the club in 2020.

“We’re so excited to be able to announce Jamie as our first recruit during the AFLW Sign and Trade period,” McLarty said.

“In her three years of AFLW experience so far she has proven herself as one of the competition’s best midfielders so to welcome her back to the Gold Coast, her home, is a fantastic result for the club.

“Her professionalism and work-rate is top shelf and her character off the field will be vital as we look to develop a strong club culture.

“Jamie will be an important to us as we establish a strong environment for our players and set high standards for those involved in our inaugural AFLW season.”

Stanton is a former junior Matilda soccer player but has quickly found her feet as an AFLW player.

The 22-year-old high school teacher averaged 17 disposals for the Kangaroos in 2019, highlighting her ability to win the football.

Stanton joins Kitara Whap-Farrar, Charlotte Hammans and Ellie Hampson on the SUNS’ AFLW list for 2020.