GOLD Coast Academy graduate Jacob Dawson will make his debut for the Suns against Hawthorn on Saturday.

The 18-year-old, who has been in the club's academy since he was 13, has had a strong NEAFL season, averaging 26 disposals and six tackles a game.

"It's unreal, I still can't believe it,” Dawson told the club's website.

"I've just been playing my role in the NEAFL and trying to build some good form, but to get the news that I'll be making my debut is just so humbling."

Dawson was drafted as a category B rookie in the 2018 rookie draft and was upgraded from the rookie list last month as a replacement for the injured Pearce Hanley.

He follows in the footsteps of teammates Jesse Joyce, Lachie Weller, Jack Bowes, Brad Scheer, Max Spencer and Jacob Heron, who have also played in Suns colours after representing their academy.

Academy head coach Andrew Raines said Dawson made a huge impact.

"There's no other player that's left a legacy in the academy like Jacob,” Raines said.

"He captained our academy last year in fine form and really set the standard for the rest coming through."