Five Gold Coast SUNS players, including three StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduates will launch their AFLW careers this Thursday night in Perth with their debuts confirmed for the 2025 season opener against the West Coast Eagles.

Three of the SUNS’ homegrown talents will be named in Rhyce Shaw’s side to take on the Eagles, including Burleigh Bombers juniors Havana Harris and Nyalli Milne, as well as fellow StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate and Tweed Coolangatta junior Mia Salisbury.

After joining the club as injury replacement players, Sydney Swans Academy product Ellie Veerhuis and Southport Sharks recruit Tayla Gregory are also both set to don the SUNS guernsey for the first time.  

Harris (Pick 2), Salisbury (Pick 30) and Milne (Pick 41) were all drafted to the club during last year’s Telstra AFLW Draft while Veerhuis and Gregory have both been added to the SUNS’ squad in recent weeks.

“One thing that we really relish at this footy club is bringing our Academy talent through. As we've seen with the boys, it’s been a big part of their program over the last couple of years and we’re thrilled for Havana, Nyalli and Mia to get their chance on Thursday,” GC SUNS AFLW Head Coach Rhyce Shaw announced.

“It’s also great to see players like Ellie Veerhuis and Tayla Gregory, who have done the hard yards and excelled in local footy, earn their opportunity.

“These are some really great stories that we're going to tap into and hopefully we can make it a night to remember for our debutants.

“We're really excited about our group and where we're going, not just this year but in the years to come. This is the beginning of our journey and I think it's really exciting that we get to debut five players on Thursday night.”

Gold Coast’s final team for Round 1 will be announced at 6:20pm, Wednesday 13 August.

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