The Gold Coast Suns are preparing to make waves on the second night of the 2024 AFL National Draft, with recruiting boss Kall Burns confirming the club is actively exploring ways to move up the draft board.
"We'll keep our plans open," Burns said.
"We'll continue to look, to press up the board and get ourselves involved in the early parts of tomorrow. But if that doesn't unfold, we've got pick 57 there and we'll still look to use that on a player that slips through to us."
This proactive approach follows a successful opening night for the Suns, highlighted by securing their prized Academy prospect, Leo Lombard, with pick 9.
Lombard, an 18-year-old Queensland standout, has had a stellar year, earning accolades including the Larke Medal, Allies MVP, and selection in the Under-18 All-Australian team.
Burns praised Lombard's journey through the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy, saying, "It's an amazing achievement for Leo, and he should be extremely proud of all the hard work and dedication he has put in to achieve his goal of reaching the AFL."
Lombard's accomplishments also include playing 11 VFL games for the Suns and being part of their 2023 VFL premiership team at just 16 years old.
His addition bolsters the Suns' list under new head coach Damien Hardwick, with the young midfielder set to begin his AFL preseason next week.
The Suns currently hold picks 57, 89, and 95 in the second round but remain intent on securing an earlier selection.
Their track record of strategically navigating the draft - most recently in acquiring points to match bids on multiple Academy players last year - suggests another busy evening for Burns and his team.
Round 2 of the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft resumes tonight at 6:00pm AEST.