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The news was broken to Jepson and the playing group by close friend and new teammate, Noah Anderson, during the SUNS’ pre-season camp in Byron Bay.
“It’s everything I’ve wanted to be since I was a kid. To get an opportunity with the SUNS on an AFL list is incredible,” Jepson said.
“Finishing up a big couple of days at camp and to have my great mate, Noah Anderson, announce in front of the group that I’ve got a spot on the list…it means the world. I’ve been training with the squad for a few months now and to finally have that is amazing.
“My goal over the last few months has been to earn this spot, so I’ll probably have to reassess now. I’m on an AFL list, but I think being an AFL player sounds better so getting the opportunity to debut is the goal now.”
“His drive and desire for success has impressed throughout pre-season and we’re excited for him to begin his AFL journey here on the Gold Coast.”
Jepson will wear the #44 guernsey in 2025.
Yes, according to Codesports rookie-listing.Good question. I think rookie list SSP's generally are.
Great mates, teammates, housemates and now teammates once again – it’s been a wild ride for Ben Jepson and Noah Anderson.
Jepson, 23, became the feel-good story of the pre-season last week when Gold Coast vice-captain Anderson fronted the playing group during the club’s camp in Byron Bay to announce the former Coburg and Southport VFL star had earned an AFL contract for 2025 as a supplemental selection period signing.
“I saved the video on Instagram and I think mum and dad did as well, so that will be one to keep for years to come,” Jepson told this masthead of the touching moment Anderson announced his contract, which was captured on camera by the Suns’ digital team.
“It was pretty special to be honest, it was something I always wanted and to have all the boys around as well was awesome.
Longtime mates Jepson and Anderson were part of the all-conquering Carey Grammar side that lifted the APS Premiership Cup in 2019 – a team that also featured Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos and fellow Suns midfielder, Matt Rowell.
But while the trio of Anderson, Rowell and Daicos were all taken at the top of their
“In my first draft year I was just playing school footy and a little bit of NAB League at the time – I was pretty skinny and raw so if the opportunity did come, I don’t think I would have been ready (for AFL),” Jepson ruled.
“But having a couple of years in the VFL at Coburg and Southport made me develop and gave me the confidence.”
Ben Jepsen's SuperCoach averages
VFL 2024 (Southport): 99
VFL 2023 (Coburg): 93
Round 7, 2024 (vs Gold Coast)
40 disposals
28 kicks at 85 per cent efficiency
11 marks
3 tackles
13 intercepts
171 SuperCoach points
Last year he moved in with Anderson after linking with Southport, for whom he starred across halfback to help the Sharks reach the VFL grand final.
“I was working, studying and playing footy as well and he (Anderson) was either going to training or getting a massage and I’m thinking, ‘gee, that’s pretty good’,” Jepson joked.
“I’d leave home early, get home late and he’s just going to training and living out his dream.
“He’s been great helping me out and just taking the stress off footy as well, not talking about it at home and just being mates.”
An impressive season in the Sharks’ black and white put him on the Suns’ radar and in November, Jepson was invited to trial for an SSP spot.
His is a similar path to that of Sam Clohesy, who played 20 games last season after being snapped up by the Suns in the 2024 rookie draft via Werribee.
With Daniel Rioli and John Noble arriving during the trade period halfback is suddenly a premium position for the Suns and Jepson has instead been deployed on a wing during pre-season.
He has worked closely alongside Clohesy and veteran Lachie Weller, with the two wing positions likely to be split between those three players.
“He’s sort of done it a similar way, just 12 months earlier. He’s been good to learn off and see how he goes about it,” Jepson said of Clohesy.
“It also gives me a bit of confidence that if he can do it, then there’s no way I can’t do the same.”
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