FOOTBALL
AFL EXPORTS
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
GIVEN the demoralising season the Gold Coast Suns have almost completed, losers of 10 games in a row during the year, the news of Bailey Humphrey’s commitment to the club is a revelation.
The Moe, Newborough and Trafalgar export has knocked back extensive interest from Victorian clubs to remain a Sun until the end of 2030.
Humphrey, originally under contract until the end of 2028, expressed a desire to return home last offseason.
He was snapped speaking with Melbourne senior coach Steven King and former Demon Nathan Jones, while Hawthorn and Collingwood also eyed the damaging hybrid forward.
However, Gold Coast put its foot down, having already lost fellow Latrobe Valley exports in Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth (to Carlton) and former Moe junior Sam Flanders (St Kilda) in the same trade period.
The Suns’ poor run of form this season made it even more likely that Humphrey would be on the way out.
After winning its first final in the club’s history last year and starting this season as one of the favourites for the premiership, the Suns haven’t just missed the top eight, it missed the newly implemented top 10 wildcard round as well.
Humphrey was among a few Gold Coast players expected to be moving on, including Jed Walter (who signed a contract extension with the Suns after much noise), while former Coleman Medallist Ben King is destined to land at Hawthorn.
The substantial value of Humphrey has been seen from other clubs, with Melbourne as recently as last month openly saying it would willingly trade its two first round picks in this year’s draft for a player of that calibre.
Before the Suns landed former Norm Smith Medallist Christian Petracca from the Demons ahead of this season, the original trade offer allegedly involved Humphrey.
That deal was eventually scrapped and Petracca still made his way to Gold Coast.
It was also reported by multiple outlets earlier this year that Carlton was prepared to put forth a five-year offer for Humphrey worth $1 million per season.
Despite much temptation and a desire to be closer to his Latrobe Valley family, Humphrey clearly believes in his future with Gold Coast under coach Damian Hardwick.
The former Richmond premiership coach has repeated spoken out about rumoured players, especially Humphrey, during the course of this season, adamant he wouldn’t let them walk.
Gold Coast List and Recruiting Manager, Kall Burns said the club was pleased to lock in one of its rising stars for a further two seasons.
“Bailey is a highly valued and much-loved member of our football club, so we’re incredibly pleased that he has committed his future to the Gold Coast for another two years,” he said.
“He’s only 21, but with four seasons of AFL football already behind him, Bailey has established himself as an important part of our group and what we’re building together.
“There’s a strong sense of belief and unity within this playing group, and Bailey’s commitment is another reflection of that.”
Just as the Suns have undergone an underwhelming season, Humphrey has suffered from some poor patches of form onwards from being awarded as Gold Coast’s Emerging Player of the Year.
Humphrey missed three games early in the year due to suspension for a dangerous tackle, and is averaging less disposals with less midfield time this season.
