Gold Coast Suns

Magarey Medal winner set to contend for AFL list spot with Suns

Another SANFL gun is reportedly on his way to an AFL side for the summer.

Published by
Mitch Keating

The Suns are understood to have given Woodville-West Torrens star James Tsitas a train and trial opportunity for the pre-season.

Gold Coast have already invited former St Kilda and Collingwood midfielder Nathan Freeman a chance to train under Stuart Dew this summer, with the Queensland club looking to fill the void in midfield left by Hugh Greenwood.

Greenwood's departure to North Melbourne has not only weakened Dew's onballer depths, but has opened a list spot for the Suns to fill through either the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period or the Mid-Season Rookie Draft next year.

According to The Herald Sun's Jay Clark, the Suns have offered Tsitas the opportunity to make the move north to Carrara to train with the club.

The Eagles midfielder enjoyed a stunning campaign in 2021, tying with former Blues and Crows star Bryce Gibbs for the Magarey Medal, while also claiming the Club Champion Award at Woodville-West Torrens in their premiership season.

Tsitas is a Grovedale product, having captained Geelong's VFL side before making the switch to South Australia.

The 26-year-old played 21 games in the SANFL this year, averaging 28.6 disposals, 5.6 tackles, 4.7 clearances and 3.6 inside 50s per game.

Tsitas' teammate Jack Hayes is set to train with St Kilda this pre-season in hope of landing an AFL list spot himself, while fellow 2021 Woodville-West Torrens star Tyson Stengle joined Geelong through the delisted free agency period this off-season.

The trio were part of a stunning ensemble in the SANFL premiers' title tilt, with fellow ex-AFL talents  Riley KnightKobe MutchJesse LonerganClay Cameron and Menzel brothers Daniel and Troy having all aided the club's flag campaign.

Published by
Mitch Keating