The Gold Coast Suns have filled their final list spot for the 2023 season, with VFL footballer Brodie McLaughlin getting the nod.
McLaughlin was the last remaining train and trial player at the Suns as they ventured to the Sunshine Coast for pre-season camp.
The 25-year-old was one of three Suns players to be invited to train under Stuart Dew this summer, with former Port Adelaide forward Boyd Woodcock and Academy graduate Brinn Little also pushing for a chance in the top flight.
The Suns have already added former Hawk and Roo Jed Anderson as a Supplemental Selection Period signing, with the club securing McLaughlin with their final list spot as an SSP addition.
McLaughlin, a forward talent from Frankston, has booted 31 goals from 17 games in the VFL across the past two seasons to emerge on the radar of the Suns.
“It's been a lot of hard work to get here but I am just so excited to be officially joining the SUNS and beginning my professional career,” McLaughlin said.
“I have absolutely loved training with the club over the pre-season so far and am determined to continue to work hard to help the team achieve success next season.”
The 193cm forward adds to a promising tall forward contingent at the Suns, who are home to Ben King, Mabior Chol, Levi Casboult and Chris Burgess.
Woodcock is expected to return to Queensland VFL outfit Southport for the 2023 season following a dominant year with the Sharks, while Little has signed with Central Districts in the SANFL.
McLaughlin's Frankston teammate Kye Turner is also fighting for an AFL list spot with the Demons, competing with Trent Burgoyne for the vacancy.
AFL clubs have until February 15 to sign players through the SSP window, with Collingwood, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Richmond, Essendon and St Kilda currently weighing up signing options for vacant list spots.
Geelong and the Western Bulldogs also have openings but look likely to keep those vacancies open for the Mid-Season Draft.