'No ceiling' as King commits to two-year Suns extension

Ben King has agreed to remain on the Gold Coast and expects the club to be challenging for an AFL premiership before his latest contract expires in 2026.

The key forward on Friday agreed to a two-year extension that had been on the table over the off-season, finally ending speculation about the former No.6 pick's medium-term future.

The Suns have never finished better than 12th and have backed three-time premiership coach Damien Hardwick to lead them into fresh pastures in the club's 14th AFL season.

Gold Coast's ability to retain their biggest names had been miserable until recent years, before young stars Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, Jack Lukosius and Bailey Humphrey all committed long-term.

Ben King with Nick Holman.
Ben King celebrates a goal with Suns teammate Nick Holman against the Lions last season.

"I’m pumped to commit to the club and our playing group for what is going to be an exciting period for us," King said.

"There’s no ceiling to what we can achieve.

"We can challenge for premierships in the next few years and have the people and processes to do that.

"I love the group of boys we have, love the staff, love the community, and think we have the right people to challenge for flags in the future."

The 23-year-old missed the entire 2022 season with a knee injury but is already the club's third-highest goal-kicker, with 129 in 73 games.

"We know how much Ben loves being at the Gold Coast Suns so it’s pleasing to be able to finalise a new contract before the season starts to allow Ben to focus on helping us win on-field," talent and strategy boss Craig Cameron said.

"Ben is a key player in our future under Damien Hardwick and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve with the Gold Coast Suns in the years to come."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store