A new wave of Australian rules football talent is emerging from Palm Beach Currumbin State High School (PBC), located on the Gold Coast, 1,700 kilometers from Melbourne. The school, traditionally known for its rugby league success, is now becoming a significant contributor to the Australian Football League (AFL). Under the guidance of head of sports excellence, Neil Mackay, PBC has produced a number of promising players, with Dylan Patterson highlighted as a standout athlete.
PBC has dominated the Queensland schoolboy titles, winning 12 of the past 18 championships. This success has positioned the school as a powerhouse in developing AFL talent, with six students from the class of 2025 entering the draft this year. The growth of the AFL at the school can be attributed to the establishment of the Gold Coast Suns’ academy, which has created a pathway for young athletes to pursue professional careers in football.
Mackay reflected on the evolution of the program, stating that in its early days, rugby league attracted a larger number of trial participants compared to AFL. “I used to watch rugby league have 60 kids trialling to get in, and I’d have six. Those six, as long as they were playing club footy, would get a gig,” he recalled. The introduction of the Suns’ academy has changed the landscape, providing a direct route for aspiring players to advance their careers.
The 2024 season is set to be pivotal for PBC’s emerging stars, particularly Jed Walter and Will Graham, who have been drafted as first-round picks by the Gold Coast Suns. Their inclusion marks a significant step in coach Damian Hardwick’s efforts to transform the club from its previous struggles into a competitive force in the league. This season, the Suns reached the finals for the first time in 14 years, defeating Fremantle in a thrilling elimination match before falling to the eventual champions, the Brisbane Lions.
The increasing presence of AFL in a region historically dominated by rugby league is noteworthy. Gary Ablett Junior, a former marquee player for the Suns, expressed confidence in the club’s direction. “I’ve known for the last four or five years the club was heading in the right direction,” he said, emphasizing that players’ experiences in finals football will accelerate their development. The success of the academy is evident, with numerous talented players emerging to compete at the highest level.
While some critics argue that academy systems outside Victoria have skewed the draft process, former AFL star Luke Hodge defended these initiatives. Hodge highlighted the importance of nurturing talent in non-traditional football markets to ensure the sport’s growth. His son Cooper Hodge is part of the Brisbane Lions’ academy, which has also produced players like club captain Harris Andrews and top draft prospect Daniel Annable.
Hodge observed a shift in youth participation in AFL, especially post-COVID-19, noting that more children are now engaging with the sport, often wearing jerseys of various AFL teams instead of rugby league gear. “I think it’s great to try and grab kids who could go to basketball or league or union, and give them an opportunity to step into an AFL program with really good AFL coaches,” he said.
As Palm Beach Currumbin State High School continues to cultivate talent, the future of Australian rules football in Queensland looks promising. With an established pathway for young athletes, the school is poised to make a lasting impact on the AFL landscape. The combination of local support and academy initiatives is creating a fertile ground for the sport to flourish in a region where rugby league has long been king.
