The Southport Sharks are thrilled to announce that they have signed former Gold Coast Sun Hewago Paul Oea ahead of the 2025 VFL season.
Oea, affectionately known as Ace, joined the Suns in 2020 and played 13 AFL games in his four seasons on Gold Coast’s AFL list.
Originally from Papua New Guinea, Oea relocated to the Gold Coast at 16 years of age to pursue an AFL career as part of the SUNS Academy.
Before relocating to the Gold Coast, he played for the National Papua New Guinea team in the 2017 Australian Football International Cup.
When he made his AFL debut against Collingwood in 2022, he became the first player from Papua New Guinea to play a game at AFL Level.
The 23-year-old also played 69 NEAFL/VFL games for the SUNS, including being part of their 2023 VFL Premiership team.
In 2024, Oea did not play any AFL games for Gold Coast, but he was awarded the Suns’ VFL Player of the Year.
Southport’s General Manager of Football Operations, Jarrod Field, said, “We are very pleased to have Ace join us.”
“He is an exciting young player with a lot of experience, and we look forward to seeing him play for the Sharks this year.”
Photo Credit: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos