The Saints great this Suns Rising Star is using as inspiration - Hamara Watan Sports National and international

YOUNG Gold Coast forward Ethan Read says it’s a St Kilda great he wants to model his game off as he strives to lock down a career at the top level.

Read has been rewarded for the best game of his short career against Richmond on Saturday by earning the round 21 Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination.

The Suns Academy graduate kicked 2.2 from his 13 disposals that included nine score involvements and a career-high nine marks.

The 202cm ruck/forward turned heads at the Telstra AFL Draft Combine in 2023 when he ran a barely believable 2km time trial of under six minutes.

The Suns matched a bid by Geelong at No.9 in that year’s draft to take their home-grown talent.

With aerobic capacity few men his size can match, it’s little surprise Read eyed off another player that grew up on the Gold Coast as someone to take notes from – Saints champion, Nick Riewoldt.

“He’s someone I try and model my game off,” Read said on Monday.

“Just outworking my opponent and grinding them down slowly. That’s only going to improve over time.”

While that side of his game continues to improve, the recently turned 20-year-old says it’s his physicality that demands most attention.

With Damien Hardwick dropping Read’s great mate Jed Walter a fortnight ago, more onus has been placed on the former as a dual key threat alongside Ben King in the wins over Brisbane and the Tigers.

“Coming into the AFL there was a different level physicality, and I’ve gone to work on that,” he said.

“I’m just trying to stand up against these more physical defenders. I think I’m getting better at that every week.

“I’m a good runner, so I guess I can cover the ground all right. I think my skill level is good as well, it’s just that physical side that needs to improve.

“I’m still working on that, but I’m getting there.”

Read has kicked 15 goals from 15 games in 2025 and 18 from 19 in his two-season career.