<h2>Lappin Nominates SUNS Ahead of&nbsp;AFLW Draft - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>-Gold Coast SUNS Academy prospect Sunny Lappin confirms nomination for upcoming Telstra AFLW Draft</p> <p>- Sought-after 17-year-old midfielder also eligible as father-daughter selection to both Carlton &amp; St Kilda following impressive U18 championships campaign</p> <p>-Lappin earned All-Australian honours and Best on Ground performance in the QAFLW Senior Grand Final</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Gold Coast SUNS Academy talent Sunny Lappin has officially nominated the club for December's Telstra AFLW Draft following standout junior performances.</p> <p>The 17-year-old had been tied to the Gold Coast Academy, while also being eligible to be nominated under the Father-Daughter rule to both Carlton and St Kilda after father Matthew Lappin’s career at both clubs.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lappin decided to stay on the Gold Coast to be closer to her immediate family.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Academy Selection Strengthens SUNS Connection</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 17-year-old midfielder brings dual pathways to the Gold Coast SUNS through both academy development and father-daughter eligibility. Sunny's father, Matthew Lappin, enjoyed a distinguished 251-game AFL career across Carlton (196 games) and St Kilda (55 games), making her eligible for the specialised AFLW Draft selection category.</p> <p>Lappin's decision reflects strong family and geographical considerations, with the talented prospect preferring to remain close to her support network on the Gold Coast. Speaking about her nomination choice, she emphasised the importance of staying connected to her "favourite people" and expressed confidence that relocating interstate would negatively impact her football performance.</p> <p>The influence of SUNS Academy coach Rhyce Shaw also played a significant role in Lappin's decision-making process. She believes Shaw is "building something special" at the Gold Coast SUNS and wants to contribute to the club's developing culture and future success.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Impressive Championship Campaign Elevates Draft Stocks</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Lappin's nomination follows exceptional performances throughout the 2025 U18 Girls Marsh AFL National Championships, where she established herself as one of the competition's premier talents. Her statistical dominance included averaging 25.2 disposals per game, with 12.5 contested possessions showcasing her ability to win crucial ball in traffic.</p> <p>The crafty midfielder's versatility extends beyond ball-winning ability, averaging 5.5 clearances and 4.2 tackles per game whilst demonstrating strong defensive pressure. This well-rounded skill set earned her Team MVP recognition and runner-up honours for best and fairest player across the entire tournament, accumulating 23 votes from match officials.</p> <p>Her championship form translated into All-Australian selection, joining four other StreetSmarts SUNS Academy prospects in earning national recognition. This achievement highlights the strength and depth developing within the Gold Coast program under current academy structures.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Grand Final Glory Caps Outstanding Season</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Lappin's season reached its pinnacle with a Best on Ground performance in the 2025 Bond University QAFLW Senior Grand Final. Her dominant display included kicking two goals whilst controlling midfield proceedings, demonstrating the forward versatility that makes her such an attractive AFLW Draft prospect.</p> <p>This performance capped an impressive year, during which seven SUNS Academy talents were invited to attend the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft Combine earlier this month. The combine invitation reflects Lappin's standing among the draft's elite prospects and validates her potential impact at senior level.</p> <p>Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Player Talent and Strategy Craig Cameron expressed the club's excitement about Lappin's nomination decision. Cameron highlighted her value as both a promising prospect and an established academy member, emphasising how her commitment strengthens the SUNS' AFLW Draft position.</p> <p>The December AFLW Draft represents a crucial opportunity for Gold Coast to secure local talent through multiple selection pathways. Lappin's combination of academy development, father-daughter eligibility, and exceptional junior form positions her as a priority target for the expanding SUNS women's program.</p> <p>Her decision to nominate the Gold Coast SUNS demonstrates the growing appeal of the club's women's football pathway and the effectiveness of their academy system in retaining elite local talent for future AFLW campaigns.</p>