Gold Coast Suns youth impacts early AFLW season success
AFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 8:00 PM
Last updated Sep 19, 2026
Gold Coast has started the AFLW season with a 3-2 record, bolstered by seven 2025 Academy graduates. Ava Usher and Alannah Welsh have been standout performers, with Welsh earning a Rising Star nomination for her five-goal outing against West Coast. The team’s youthful roster has surprised some observers, but insiders attribute the success to strong contributions from veterans and the drive of the newcomers. Coach Rhyce Shaw expresses satisfaction with the youthful energy and competitiveness they bring each week.
- •Gold Coast is 3-2 in the current AFLW season.
- •Ava Usher and Alannah Welsh are key contributors.
- •Welsh earned a Rising Star nomination in round two.
- •Team features seven graduates from the 2025 Suns Academy.
- •Coach Rhyce Shaw highlights the competitive spirit of the youth.
- 8:00 PMAFL — Sticking to their Suns: Why Gold Coast's rise is no surprise for some
"The Suns may be young, but their group of new recruits are setting the standard
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