Proud Yanyuwa man Lloyd Johnston will make his AFL debut for the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday.
Johnston – who is from Borroloola in the Northern Territory – has received the call up to the senior team after impressive form in the VFL this season.
The Suns face Carlton today at Metricon Stadium with Johnston named on a wing.
The 18-year-old joined the Suns at the end of 2022 after being pre-selected as a rookie out of the club's Darwin Academy.
The Wanderers junior and former Northern Territory Football League Rising Star winner has averaged 13 disposals and four marks this season in the VFL.
He had a season high 19 disposals and eight marks in his team's 68-point win last weekend against the Sydney Swans.
Johnston said he 'couldn't believe' he would be making his debut.
"I just want to go out there and do everything I can for my teammates and represent my family and community with pride," Johnston told www.goldcoastfc.com.au
"It means the world to get this opportunity … I've been working so hard for this."
Johnston is an athletic medium-sized defender with eye-catching rebounding skills and catlike reflexes.
The Territorian has a strong ability to impact aerial contests in his team's defensive half.
Suns interim coach Steven King told the Suns' official website that Johnston thoroughly deserved his opportunity at AFL level.
"We've been so impressed with Lloyd this year, he's come so far and has developed into a young professional within our football club," King said.
"His ability to learn, grow and retain information has improved tremendously across the season and he's been able to improve in all facets of his game.
"Lloydy has 100 percent earned this opportunity, he's hungry to play and we can't wait to see him run out this weekend for the first time with the AFL team."
The Gold Coast Suns sit 15th on the AFL ladder with nine wins and 12 losses, while the Blues are fifth and currently on an eight-game winning streak.
