He’s the draft “unicorn” who blew scouts away, but Ethan Read is all but destined for the Gold Coast Suns – potentially as a top five pick.
Like close mate and fellow Suns Academy product Jed Walter, Read would be one of the top picks in this year’s draft if freely available.
But Gold Coast are ready and waiting to match any bids on their prized 202cm Academy ruck talent with a rare running capacity.
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The Queenslander says it will be “pretty cool” to join Walter at the Suns and play under three-time Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick.
“Having Dimma coming in, it’s a lot of experience with what he’s achieved throughout his coaching and playing career,” he told foxfooty.com.au.
“It’d be the perfect time to come into the club. Exciting times for the Suns.
“I haven’t met him yet, but I’ve seen him around the club.
“Mate it’d be so surreal to play under him, especially with his name and his accolades. Hopefully I meet him soon.”
Read is no stranger to the Suns’ set-up, having trained with the club at the start of the season.
He’s gone on to impress in 2023 – even used essentially as a fourth midfielder at times during the Allies’ unbeaten campaign such is his aerobic prowess.
He also debuted in the Suns’ VFL side, collecting 12 disposals, though kicking 0.4.
Read was one of only three players to clock a 2km time trial of under six minutes at the Draft Combine – which is remarkable for a big man currently weighing in at more than 90kg.
Already likened to Cats premiership star Mark Blicavs due to his versatility, Read says he’s just taking the draft process “one day at a time”.
“Obviously Mark is a great player … he’s one to look up to,” he said.
“I’m hardworking, professional and team-first. My best traits are my skills, marking and foot work.
“I think some rucks probably don’t run as much as I do. I feel like that’s my strength to get ahead of the next ruckman, find space and then get out to users or use it myself.
“Over the last two years, I reckon I’ve grown 11cm. I had a huge growth spurt in my 16th year.”
Close mate and number one draft pick hopeful Jed Walter says he’s amazed by Read’s talents.
“He’s a freak. He‘s always been a good runner. Him and I always used to run against each other when we were younger, but he’s definitely got me covered now,” Walter told foxfooty.com.au
“He can run all day. He’s really competitive as well … We call him the unicorn.
“I think he can play anywhere. He plays ruck now, but I think he could develop forward, he could develop in the backline even and maybe even on the wing because he’s got such a good tank. He’s got so many years to figure it out.”
Walter and Read are set to remain united as Suns teammates, as the Gold Coast hold a stacked draft hand with six picks inside the top 40 and then four others to match bids on their prized pair.
The Suns can also snap up Will Graham and Jake Rogers as Academy talents, with Rogers a likely first-rounder and Graham potentially landing a bid late in the second round.
“I’ve been friends with Jed and Will since I think around 12. Especially Jed, I’ve been doing different things like running. Our mums are best friends … just from me and Jed playing sport together. They’ve kind of got the same personality,” he said.
“It’s pretty surreal and it’s a lot to take in at the moment. But it’s pretty cool growing up with all of those four (Academy targets).”
Read earned All Australian honours for his efforts for the Allies, where he averaged 22 disposals, eight marks and 13 hit-outs a game.
Read was proud of his draft year efforts, describing his season as “consistent enough” and of a “high level”.
And the 18-year-old says he’s ready for the challenge of making it onto an AFL list.
“Right now I prefer playing ruck, but wherever anyone wants to put me, I don’t mind,” he said.
