Firing Sun King dismisses AFL trade rumours

Gold Coast's Ben King has little interest in the chatter around his AFL future, adamant he is content hunting a finals berth with the Suns.

BEN KING of the Suns kicks the ball during the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium in the Gold Coast, Australia.
BEN KING of the Suns kicks the ball during the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium in the Gold Coast, Australia. Picture: Russell Freeman/via Getty Images

Straight-kicking, straight-talking Ben King has treated speculation about his AFL future with disinterest, reinforcing his commitment to Gold Coast as he enjoys a return to form.

The tall forward had the fumbles early in the season but has grown in confidence to kick 11 straight goals without a behind in his last three games.

He's kicked 16.3 this season in the Suns' 3-4 start, managing at least one goal in each of the first seven games of a two-year contract extension he signed while sidelined with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament a year ago.

That hasn't stopped the rumour mill from turning, with Collingwood reportedly keen on the 22-year-old's services beyond 2024.

St Kilda, where King's twin brother Max plays, are also said to be interested.

But the player points to a house purchase and his girlfriend's move north as an indication he plans to make the Suns his long-term home.

"I don't read any of it to be honest, don't see any of it," he said.

"I'm not on Facebook, not across much AFL news.

"It doesn't affect me. I've just played seven games of the new contract I've signed.

"As I've always said, I'm loving football up here and loving life on the Gold Coast, so it doesn't really enter my mind.

"Talk like that is just part of the industry and what happens with everyone. I'm pretty used to it.

"I'm really settled, love playing football with these blokes."

King has kicked five- and four-goal bags in back-to-back defeats of North Melbourne and Richmond that have revived the Suns' hopes of a maiden finals appearance.

"As expected, missing a lot of football (I knew) there'd be a gradual build into it," he said.

"I've been very grateful to just be playing with my teammates again and having a coupe of wins.

"Those are the moments I've missed and been thinking about. It's been pretty special."