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Suns young gun Ben King makes decision on future

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9th March, 2022
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Gold Coast Suns have reportedly warded off suitors for Ben King, tying the injured young gun on a two-year deal.

SEN re[ported Thursday that King had given the club a massive boost by agreeing terms.

“King’s signature had been among the most sought-after in the AFL, but his recommitment is a significant vote of confidence in a club that is once again trying to keep its emerging group together,” SEN wrote online

“The athletic 202cm key forward will sit out the year with a torn ACL, but at 21 he remains one of the game’s brightest talents.”

King kicked 47 goals to finish equal seventh in last year’s Coleman Medal having played 53 games in three seasons since being taken with pick 6 in the 2018 national draft.

Ben King

Ben King. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

King, the linchpin of Gold Coast’s forward line, tore his ACL in a marking contest at training four weeks ago and is out for this season.

“Unfortunately Ben has ruptured his ACL in his right knee in a pretty simple marking contest that he’d been in many times before,” Gold Coast’s football manager Wayne Campbell said in a statement.

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“Whenever someone goes down with an ACL, it’s shattering for a start.

“He’s got a really strong family and we’ve got some really good support around him from the footy club.

“It’s not ideal by any stretch but we know Ben’s strength of character will see him attack the challenge in a positive manner.”

“I’m very excited to sign on for another couple of years,” King said.

“I’ve been thinking about it for the last year or so and there was never really any doubt to commit to the SUNS.

“I’ve been very lucky from the start in that I feel very well supported by the club and have a great group of mates up on the Gold Coast.

“I think we have a really great group of people and we’re definitely building something special as we mature each year.

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“The aim is to play finals and has been for the last couple of years… I think it’s definitely within reach.

“I love the club and I’m really confident in the direction the club’s heading.”

GC SUNS General Manager of Player Talent and Strategy Craig Cameron said securing King’s signature was an important moment for the club.

“We love Ben and what he brings to this football club so it’s fantastic that we have been able to agree on a contract extension prior to the season kicking off,” Cameron said.

“We never had any doubt Ben would commit his future to the club, and after a number of other players key re-signing over the last 12 months, we are confident we have set our club up for sustained, long-term success.

“Although Ben won’t be seen on the field this year, we know he will continue to have an influence around the group and we can’t wait to see him back in 2023.”

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