AFL list changes: Peel Thunder’s Sandy Brock, nephew of racing great Peter, joins Gold Coast from academy

The nephew of a V8 great, Peel Thunder’s Sandy Brock is officially a Gold Coast Sun, the club confirmed on Friday.

Brock, whose late uncle Peter remains one of Australia’s most famous racing identities, was signed to Gold Coast’s rookie list along with Bodhi Uwland for the 2022 AFL season.

“It was real good news, I wasn’t expecting it,” he said.

“I was about to go out to the Allies game last Saturday morning and got a phone call from the Gold Coast.

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“I honestly can’t wait, it’s going to be an unreal experience, hopefully I can play AFL.

“I want to learn from all the players and coaches and just try to make it to the top as fast as I can.”

The key defender, who hails from Darwin, moved to WA for the 2021 WAFL season and played seven reserves games for Peel Thunder before his promotion for the final 10 league games of the year.

The Thunder had headed to Darwin to lure back former player Brodie Lake when Brock’s name was passed to them.

Both Brock and Uwland were snapped up by the Suns as part of the academy concessions out in place in 2019.

It meant the club was able to pre-select the duo without having to match bids from rival clubs in the draft.

Suns general manager of player talent Craig Cameron said he was excited by what both players could offer the club.

“Bodhi has had a fantastic year, playing a key role with the SUNS Academy while also stepping up and performing really well for us at VFL level so we’re excited about what he can become,” Cameron said.

“Sandy has shown he has potential as a key position player with great height and speed so we look forward to working with him on the next stages of his development.”