After earning a move to the AFL following a breakout year with VFL side Werribee, Gold Coast Suns recruit Sam Clohesy has extended his tenure at Carrara for two more years.
Clohesy was a key figure in the Tigers' run to last year's VFL Grand Final and would claim the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the competition's best young player at the cessation of his stellar season.
The rise in form saw the 21-year-old earn interest from AFL clubs, with Gold Coast making their move for the Werribee talent through last year's Rookie Draft.
The move north saw Clohesy return to the Suns, with the former Coolangatta player initially a member of the club's Academy program before venturing to Melbourne as a teenager.
Now back in Gold Coast colours, the half-back/wing hybrid has managed to have an instant impact at the top level under coach Damien Hardwick, playing every game for the Suns since his debut in Round 4 against GWS.
On four occasions this season Clohesy has collected at least 15 disposals and a goal, led by a 23-disposal and two-goal performance against North Melbourne in Round 9.
“It's been absolutely amazing coming in and earning an AFL opportunity so early in my career,” Clohesy said.
“Dimma has been great in identifying my strengths and giving me a really clear role which he has trusted me to fulfill each week.
“I'm incredibly thankful to the SUNS for taking a chance on me and now want to do everything I can to help the team and continue to make an impact at AFL level.”
Clohesy's re-signing comes within 24 hours of the club announcing a new two-year deal for rookie Will Graham.
The pair join Jy Farrar (2025), Ned Moyle (2028), Wil Powell (2029), Ethan Read (2028) and Jarrod Witts (2026) in recommitting to the club this year.
“Sam has been a player we've continued to monitor since his time as a teenager in the SUNS Academy and it's been fantastic to see him take his opportunity and play regularly at AFL level this season,” Suns recruitment boss Kall Burns said.
“We've been impressed with what Sam's been able to achieve so far and see him continuing to play an important role in our system in the years to come.”
Clohesy is now signed until the end of the 2026 season.
