GOLD Coast could hardly believe its luck when 'Two-metre Peter' Wright fell its way with pick No.8 in Thursday night's NAB AFL Draft.

 

Suns list manager Scott Clayton was beaming after the selection, describing the Calder Cannons product as a "once in an eight to 10-year player".

 

Earlier this year Wright was widely tipped as a potential No.1 selection, with the 203cm, 102kg forward forging a reputation for strong overhead marking and elite kicking for goal.

 

"It was just far too enticing not to select him," Clayton said.

 

"He's going to have a great AFL career.

 

"He's got magnificent hands, he's a great mark, he plays in front naturally and he's as good a kick as you'll see.

 

"He's going to kick a lot of goals and create a lot of headaches for AFL teams."

 

Clayton said the planets aligned for the Suns to nab Wright.

 

Following standout top-three selections in Paddy McCartin, Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw, only GWS – with picks four, six and seven – and Collingwood, with No.5, had picks ahead of Gold Coast.

 

The Giants were not looking for a forward and Collingwood had already taken father-son selection Darcy Moore to partner hulking Travis Cloke.

 

"We couldn't say no to that opportunity," Clayton said.

 

"We're backing ourselves as a team to go up the ladder in the next few years, so you'd think our draft position will not be as early in years to come."

 

Wright said he was thrilled to end up at Gold Coast and was licking his lips at the chance to prospect of being on the end of some clean service from the exciting Suns midfield.

 

"It was the gold destination going into the draft," Wright told AFL.com.au on Friday morning.

 

"To get through to eight, I'm really rapt. They're a strong club ... with a great foundation for future success.

 

"I think going forward there won't be too many better midfields. You've got Gary (Ablett), Jaeger O'Meara, Jack Martin, (David) Swallow ... to have guys like them kicking you the footy is pretty good service."

 

Clayton said the giant 18-year-old could push for senior selection straight away.

 

"He'll want to play round one and time will tell.

 

"Our whole list have to compete hard and that's what we want. He'll be pushing strongly. He'll have a real crack at getting in."