Gold Coast SUNS Academy star Ethan Read is locked in for the next five seasons after signing a two-year contract extension tying him to his hometown club until at least the end of 2028.

Read, who grew up on the Gold Coast and represented Palm Beach Currumbin Football Club, has added an additional two years to his existing three-year contract.

The 202cm ruck-forward was one of four SUNS Academy graduates selected in the 2023 AFL Draft (Pick 9) and made his AFL debut in Round 4 against GWS.

The 18-year-old said there was no hesitation in locking away his future at the Gold Coast SUNS.

“The Gold Coast SUNS have been my home since I was 13 and I’ve absolutely loved my time through the Academy and the start of my AFL career with the club,” Read said.

“I’ve got my best mates around me every day and an amazing playing and coaching group that I’m loving being involved with.

“I was really keen to secure my long-term future with the SUNS and focus on doing everything I can to help us win games of football and build a formidable team for years to come.”

GC SUNS General Manager of Player Talent & Strategy Craig Cameron said Read was a one-of-a-kind player.

“Ethan is one of the great success stories from our Academy, possessing a very rare blend of height, power and athleticism which has already shone through in his few games at AFL level this year,” Cameron said.

“We’re really excited by Ethan’s start to his career so far and what he can achieve in the next five years at the SUNS.”

Read has the ability to play across the ground, having been drafted as a ruck/forward, but also spending time in defence across the pre-season.

Despite his height, Read is one of the best runners at the club and broke the six-minute barrier in the 2km time trial at the 2023 Draft Combine.