King still 'passionate' about Suns ahead of big free agency call - AFL
Free agent Ben King insists his feelings about the Suns haven't changed ahead of a big contract call
www.afl.com.auHere’s the latest on Ben King and free agency as of late April 2026.
- Ben King is a high-priority free agent attracting interest from several clubs, with Gold Coast believed to have presented a lucrative short-term offer to keep him beyond 2026. This aligns with reports that the Suns are keen to lock him in and that other Victorian clubs are weighing up approaches.[1]
- Queensland-based Gold Coast remains hopeful about re-signing King, with discussions signaling a commitment to a long-term plan if he’s willing, though a shorter, high-value deal through 2028 is being actively explored as a flexible option.[2][6]
- Other clubs showing interest include Collingwood, Hawthorn, Geelong, and potentially St Kilda historically, with the market widely described as a three-horse race among Suns, Hawthorn, and Collingwood in early 2026; trade dynamics could hinge on whether Gold Coast matches offers or agrees to a trade if he departs.[4][7][8]
- King’s current status: out of contract in 2026, with teams publicly optimistic about securing his signature for the medium term, while King has emphasized his ongoing passion for the Suns and the importance of weighing his options before re-signing.[6][2]
Illustration of the situation:
- Imagine a tug-of-war among four clubs (Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Collingwood, Geelong) with Ben King as the central rope. The Suns want to keep him long-term; Victorian clubs are testing the waters; the final outcome depends on offers, cap space, and whether Gold Coast matches external deals.
If you’d like, I can pull a concise snapshot of the latest transfer rumors and price ranges from the primary sources and present it in a short table with clubs, status, and potential deal structures. Would you prefer a 1-page brief or a quick bullet list?
Citations:
- Suns tabled a two-year offer around $1.3 million per year as part of a potential short-term extension.[1]
- Suns remain confident about re-signing King, with discussions on long-term terms and possible mega deals mentioned in multiple outlets.[2][6]
- Broad trade rumors and three-horse race context involving Gold Coast, Hawthorn, and Collingwood are reported in various sources.[7][8][4]