Sunny Lappin, one of the top prospects of the 2025 AFLW draft pool, has opted against joining either of the two clubs her dad represented in the AFL, instead choosing to remain in Queensland.
Lappin on Wednesday confirmed her intention to nominate the Gold Coast Suns as an academy selection for December’s draft.
The 17-year-old could’ve nominated either Carlton or St Kilda under the father-daughter rule as her dad, 2004 All-Australian Matthew Lappin, played for both clubs during his 14-season AFL career.
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But Lappin said she thought she’d play her best footy at the top level if she remained on the Gold Coast.
“I had a huge decision to make and lots to consider – a big one was family and friends and the idea of moving interstate. I don’t think I’d play as good of footy if I was somewhere else other than where all my favourite people are,” Lappin said.
“I also had Rhyce Shaw as a coach in the Academy and I think that he’s building something special at the Gold Coast Suns and that’s something I’d really love to be apart of.”
Lappin looms as a top-1o selection in this year’s AFLW draft, which will be held on Monday December 15.
Lappin had a brilliant Under 18 national championships campaign for Queensland, averaging 25.2 disposals, 5.5 clearances and 4.2 tackles to win her team’s MVP award, earn All-Australian honours and finish second to Vic Metro’s Chloe Bown for the comp MVP.
She then played a crucial role in Southport’s QAFLW premiership triumph, claiming the best on ground medal after booting two goals from 30 disposals, 10 inside 50s and eight clearances. She and her teammates were coached by her dad.
“Sunny is a promising young prospect, and a valued member of the Suns Academy,” Suns general manager of player and talent Craig Cameron said.
“It’s fantastic that she has signalled her intent to nominate our club ahead of this year’s AFLW Draft.”
Lappin is one of several Suns academy prospects in the first-round mix for this year’s AFLW draft. Ava Usher, Dekota Baron, Georja Davies, Alannah Welsh, Mikayla Nurse and Rhianna Ingram were all invited to the AFLW combine earlier this month.
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