Connor Budarick: The Unsung Hero Heating Up Trade Talk at the Suns
If you've been tuned into the morning footy shows this week, you'll have caught young Connor Budarick chatting about life at the Gold Coast Suns. Day 13 of the trade chatter (15/10/25) was a cracker—Budarick opened up on the trade whispers, his own development, and the electric buzz around the squad as they gear up for another crack at September. But let's be real, the talk of the town this week has been those two moments that had every footy fan off their sofa: Jake Stringer's towering screamer and Marcus Bontempelli's sheer genius.
From the Coast to the Airwaves
Budarick's appearance on the radio back on 23/06/20 feels like a lifetime ago now. Back then, he was just finding his feet in the big league. Fast forward to today, and the kid from Southport is one of the most reliable defenders in Stuart Dew's back six. During that recent morning show, he didn't just talk shop—he gave us a glimpse into the bond this Suns group shares. "We're building something special," he said, and you can't help but believe him. With the trade period heating up, his name has popped up in a few conversations, but if you ask me, he's as untouchable as they come.
Stringer's Screamer and Bont's Magic: What Budarick Noticed
Of course, no chat about the week's footy is complete without dissecting the highlights reel. Jake Stringer launching himself for that towering screamer was pure theatre—the kind of mark that has you hitting rewind three times. And then there's Bontempelli. The man's an artist; new season, same old Bont, slicing through packs like they're not even there. Budarick, watching from the Coast, would've taken note. As a defender, you live for the challenge of shutting down guns like that. He might not have been on the ground for those moments, but you can bet he's studying them, figuring out how to stop the next Bont or Stringer when the Suns take on the big dogs.
- Jake Stringer's screamer: A speccy for the ages that had the entire footy world buzzing.
- Bontempelli's brilliance: The Dogs' skipper doing what he does best—dominating when it matters most.
- Budarick's growth: From a raw rookie on the radio to a backline general on the morning shows.
The Suns' Diamond in the Rough
What makes Connor Budarick so valuable isn't just his ability to shut down opponents—it's his courage. He's never been one to shirk a contest, and that fighting spirit is exactly what the Suns need as they push for consistency. In his recent radio appearance, he touched on how the group has matured, and it's clear the young core—including the likes of Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell—are starting to believe. If Budarick keeps on this trajectory, we're not just talking about a solid best-22 player; we're talking about a future leader.
So, while the footy world is still buzzing about Stringer's screamer and Bont's artistry, spare a thought for the lads doing the unheralded work. Connor Budarick might not make the highlight reels every week, but without him, the Suns' backline would be a whole lot leakier. Catch him while you can—this kid's going places.