The Gold Coast Suns are reportedly attempting to lock down one of their most prized assets before the end of this year.
In-demand key forward Ben King is currently contracted on the Sunshine Coast, though the Suns are thought to be keen on furthering the 23-year-old's commitment beyond his current obligation.
King, who has numerous Victorian ties, is presently contracted at Gold Coast until the end of next year. However,ย SENย reporter Tom Morris believes the Suns are trying to cement his long-term future before the holiday period, with that goal "very much in play".
"Gold Coast [is] keen to extend King's contract beyond 2024, which is when it finishes, by Christmas," Morris reported via SEN on Friday.
"That's only a couple of months away and there's a growing confidence that this is very much in play.
"Ben King's been away, he's been on holiday. But he could extend by two years, which would take him to free agency, or he could extend by four years, which would take him to unrestricted free agency.
"I think both options will be available to him.ย I think the Suns will say, 'We'll give you this trigger for an extra two years and you can stay till the end of 2026 or you can stay for an extra four, which is unrestricted free agency'."
King, whose brother, Max, is St Kilda's most valuable forward-50 target, is also a Sandringham Dragons graduate; fuelling rumours of a potential family reunion at Moorabbin if a trade out of Queensland is orchestrated next October.
The 73-gamer has also reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Victorian juggernauts Collingwood and Essendon throughout this year.
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In addition to King, the Suns boast long-kicking South Australian Jack Lukosius and evergreen contested-marker Levi Casboult up forward, as well as incoming Academy talent Jed Walter, who is expected to be snapped up by Gold Coast within November's first ten selections.
However, while the Suns' goalkicking brigade is a fruitful one, they don't appear satisfied potentially parting ways with King come next year's player movement period.
