The Gold Coast Suns have secured a massive off-field victory, with rising star Jed Walter committing his future to the club.
The powerful young forward has inked a three-year extension to remain on the Gold Coast until the end of the 2029 season.
The 21-year-old’s decision is a major show of faith in the club after he became the target of a massive recruiting raid from several Victorian rivals.
Essendon reportedly tabled a five-year, $6 million offer for the Gold Coast Academy graduate, while heavyweights Geelong, Collingwood, and Hawthorn were also in the mix.
However, it appears the pull of home and the community proved too strong for the Palm Beach Currumbin junior, who opted to remain loyal to the club.
Walter said he’s “stoked” to secure his future on the Gold Coast, emphasising that growing up in the region and rising through the local Academy ranks made the decision clear.
“Having grown up on the Gold Coast, been part of the Academy and now playing at AFL level for the SUNS, the Gold Coast is home and there’s nowhere else I would rather play,” he said.
He noted that while recent on-field results haven’t been ideal, he’s incredibly excited about the foundation the Suns are building.
“I’m excited for what the future holds on the Gold Coast,” Walter said.
“The recent results haven’t been what we’ve desired, but what we’re building here at the SUNS is something I’m really looking forward to continue playing a role in.”
