Delisted Gold Coast Suns forward Brodie McLaughlin is reportedly receiving AFL interest as he looks to resurrect his professional career this off-season.
Despite plying his trade as one of the VFL's most prolific goalscorers this season as part of Gold Coast's premiership-winning reserves outfit, McLaughlin, out of contract at year's end, was sent packing by the Suns at the conclusion of their VFL campaign.
The 25-year-old was initially signed by the Suns during the 2023 pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP).
Informed by Gold Coast he would not be on the receiving end of a new contract, McLaughlin could be picked up by another club via November's Rookie Draft, or during this December's SSP, according to AFL Mediaย journalist Josh Gabelich.
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Gold Coast also offloaded McLaughlin's forward teammate Chris Burgess, who was just as damaging in the Suns' forward sector at the VFL level, to the Adelaide Crows as part of a wider trade that saw multiple draft choices change hands.
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Fremantle and St Kilda were previously reported as clubs interested in acquiring McLaughlin's services before the former Frankston forward elected the Suns.ย
Gold Coast has been home to the Jim 'Frosty' Miller Medal -- the VFL's leading goalkicker award -- for the past three seasons, with McLaughlin and Burgess sharing the honour this year.
The 2023 off-season is an important one for the Suns, who are integrating new senior coach Damien Hardwick while preparing to welcome a trio of tantalising Academy prospects at November's National Draft.
One of those Academy youngsters is the impressive Jed Walter, whose presence as a dangerous forward prospect possibly played a part in squeezing McLaughlin out of the picture.
Walter, ruckman Ethan Read, and midfielder Jake Rogers will join Hardwick's Suns in November, adding to an already highly talented list.
