Gold Coast young gun Sam Flanders has re-signed with the Suns for a further four years, turning down reported rival advances to recommit to the Queensland club.
The Moe junior was reportedly on the radar of clubs from his home state of Victoria as his contract neared its expiry, with a breakout back half of this season seeing his value in the eyes of most skyrocket.
Flanders would overcome early season setbacks to piece together a formidable last 10 rounds of the 2023 season, where he would record nine games with 27 or more disposals as a key piece in the Suns' midfield group.
The 22-year-old's efforts would be recognised on Sunday night at the Suns' Club Champion Awards ceremony, with Flanders claiming the Emerging Player Award for his 14-game campaign.
On the same night, the Suns announced the young onballer had re-signed until the end of the 2027 season, with Flanders saying he's begun to "feel at home" this year thanks to his newfound form.
โI'm super excited to announce I've signed on long-term with the club,โ Flanders said.
โI feel I am starting to play some high quality football for the club and love the playing group here, they really make me feel at home.
โI can't wait for what's to come next year and really wanted to be a key part of the next chapter with the Gold Coast SUNS.โ
Flanders averaged 24.21 disposals, 3.43 clearances and 5.36 marks in 2023 - a season that included a pair of appearances where he was subbed out of a game.
Set to continue to hone a role alongside the likes of Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson in the middle of the field under new coach Damien Hardwick, Flanders's re-signing is another retention goal ticked off by the Carrara club.
โSam had a terrific pre-season which set the foundation for his impressive last half of 2023 after an injury-interrupted start,โ Suns talent manager Craig Cameron said.
โHe has shown what he is capable of at AFL level this year so we are thrilled to have Sam commit with us for another four years.โ
The Suns finished 15th on the ladder in 2023 after recording nine wins and 14 losses for the season.
