The Gold Coast SUNS 2011 AFL playing list was finalised today with the signing of Nathan Ablett, Joel Tippett and Jake Crawford following this morning’s 2011 Pre Season and Rookie Drafts.

Nathan Ablett, 24, was selected with pick 1 in the Pre Season Draft. He takes up the last spot on the GC SUNS Primary List. He will now be formally reunited with his brother, Gary. Both were members of the Geelong Cats 2007 Premiership team.

Joel Tippett and Jake Crawford were taken by the club as Rookies.

Tippett, 22, brother of Adelaide Crows power forward Kurt, spent three years on the Brisbane Lions Rookie List before injury saw him delisted.

Sunshine Coast-raised Crawford, 18, is a strong, tireless defender who has been with the club since its earliest moments. He also joins the club as a Rookie.

GC SUNS Football Manager Marcus Ashcroft said Ablett, Tippett and Crawford were exciting additions to the club’s playing group.

He praised their determination and extraordinary tenacity.

“All three players have had to work really hard to earn the right to play for our club,” he said.

“Nathan has shown some real improvement during the preseason. He has been enthusiastic and committed and we have seen some good progress in the way he’s going about his football. That he now joins his brother in the squad is an added bonus.”

“Joel is a great athlete who has worked really hard to overcome stress fractures in his back. He showed incredible commitment to his rehab, got himself fit enough to play seven VFL games for us earlier this year, and his preseason has been really strong. He’s worked very hard for his opportunity.”

“Jake’s also a terrific story. He’s strong, super-fit, competitive defender from Pomona on the Sunshine Coast who’s been with us almost from the very start. He played during our TAC Cup campaign and played five VFL games for us. Until now he’s never been on a contract, so it’s been a long, tough journey for Jake and his determination should really be applauded.”

The entire playing list will have a two-week break over Christmas before recommencing full training in early January.

The GC SUNS first pre-season NAB Cup game is scheduled for 19 February, 2011 at Blacktown Olympic Park.