The Gold Coast SUNS have committed to signing 17 year-old, Alex Sexton as a Queensland zone selection in the 2011 AFL Draft.

And even before he has joined the GC SUNS he has been given a huge vote of confidence, signing a three-year contract instead of the standard two-year contract offered to most draftees.

Sexton, currently studying Year 12 at Chisholm Catholic College, Cornubia, said he was rapt to be joining the GC SUNS, the team he trained with over the pre-season.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Gold Coast SUNS.

“They are one of the most exciting team in the competition, and having had the chance to train and play with the reserves I just can’t wait to get down there.”

One of the most promising young players in the country, Sexton is a member of the AFL/AIS Academy.

A supplementary list player at Redland and a GC SUNS reserves top-up player this year he was the first player nominated for the NAB NEAFL Rising Star Award from the SUNS camp.

The talented midfielder/forward, who toured Europe with the AIS/AFL Academy squad earlier this year, won the Alan McLean Medal as the division two Best & Fairest and the Queensland MVP at last years NAB Australian U16 Championships and in 2011 was a Queensland Under 18 representative.

GC SUNS List Manager, Scott Clayton said Sexton, who played at senior level with Springwood in the QAFL second division last year before joining Redland this year, had been on the club’s radar since his standout performance at the 2010 U16 national carnival.

 “Alex looks a real player, we have been thrilled with the way he has developed, and his football has continued to impress us.

“Being eligible to be selected as a Queensland zone selection, we have been fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time with Alex, he knows our program, players and coaches.

“From a football perspective he has real composure, an attack on the footy, and his speed and kicking under pressure is great.

“At 185cm, Alex is a great size, and he has all the attributes, we believe he will develop into a perfect midfielder for us,” Clayton said.