The Gold Coast SUNS have bolstered their AFLW list with five Streetsmarts SUNS Academy graduates selected in the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft. The homegrown talents include Havana Harris (Pick 2), Heidi Talbot (Pick 27), Mia Salisbury (Pick 29), Nyalli Milne (Pick 41), and Tara Harrington (Pick 47), marking a monumental night for Queensland football.
First pick Havana Harris, a Burleigh Bombers junior, is a two-time Under-18 All-Australian. At 183cm, she brings versatility and dominance both in the ruck and on-ball. Her stellar 2024 season saw her average 28 disposals and 15.3 hitouts, further cementing her reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the country.
North Cairns Tigers product Heidi Talbot, taken at Pick 27, is a balanced and hard-running defender who impressed with the SUNS Academy in 2024. Averaging 20.8 disposals and seven tackles in the Coates Talent League, she joins other North Queensland products like Daisy D’Arcy and Wallis Randell on the SUNS list.
Mia Salisbury, selected at Pick 29, is a Tweed-Coolangatta junior who shone in both defense and midfield roles. Her 2024 averages of 20 disposals and 3.7 clearances earned her a spot alongside Harris in the Under-18 All-Australian team.
Nyalli Milne, the fourth selection at Pick 41, adds speed and defensive pressure to the squad. A Burleigh Bombers junior, she played a vital role in Bond University’s QAFLW Grand Final run and represented Queensland at the National Championships.
Tara Harrington, a Broadbeach Cats junior, was the SUNS’ final pick at No. 47. Despite an injury-hit 2024, Harrington showcased her class and toughness, averaging 23.3 disposals and eight tackles in her limited appearances.
GC SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago praised the selections, saying, “We’re thrilled to secure five talented Academy players who represent the bright future of Queensland football. This is a proud moment for their families, junior clubs, and the SUNS Academy.”
These selections highlight the ongoing growth of AFLW in Queensland, with the SUNS continuing to build a strong foundation of local talent for years to come.
Havana Harris
DOB: 01/07/2006
Height: 182cm
Home State: Queensland
Position: Ruck/Midfielder
Name Pronunciation: Hav-are-nar Harris
Junior club: Burleigh
Senior club: SUNS Academy/Bond University
Heidi Talbot
DOB: 18/12/2006
Height: 160cm
Home State: Queensland
Position: Utility
Name Pronunciation: Hi-dee Tal-bot
Junior club: North Cairns
Senior club: SUNS Academy/North Cairns/Bond University
Mia Salisbury
DOB: 27/06/2006
Height: 169cm
Home State: Queensland
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Name Pronunciation: Mia Sorlz-bree
Junior club: Tweed Heads Coolangatta
Senior club: SUNS Academy/Bond University
Nyalli Milne
DOB: 26/05/2006
Height: 171cm
Home State: Queensland
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Name Pronunciation: Ny-ar-lee Miln
Junior club: Burleigh
Senior club: SUNS Academy/Bond University
Tara Harrington
DOB: 24/03/2006
Height: 167cm
Home State: Queensland
Position: Midfielder
Name Pronunciation: Tar-rar Harrington
Junior club: Broadbeach
Senior club: SUNS Academy/Bond University
