Wil Powell

Wil Carlos Powell (born 26 August 1999) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Gold Coast Suns in the Australian Football League (AFL). He made his debut in Round 15 of the 2018 season against the Collingwood Magpies at Carrara Stadium and scored a goal with his first kick.

Early football Powell grew up in Scarborough, Western Australia. His grandfather Roy Powell played in three premierships with the East Perth Football Club.

Powell played Colts football for the Claremont Tigers in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). He averaged 14 disposals and kicked eight goals from 18 games and was invited to test at the Western Australian State Combine. Powell was selected by the Suns with pick 19 in the 2017 national draft, their first selection. He was described as a "shock pick" and a "bolter"; Claremont had earlier posted a list of possible draftees from the club on Twitter, but Powell was not included.

AFL career In May 2018, Powell extended his contract with the Suns to 2021. His 2022 season ended early with a compound fracture to his ankle.

Homophobic slur and suspension In 2024, the AFL reported that he would be banned for five matches after he made a homophobic slur. It was the third instance in 2024 of a homophobic slur being said by an AFL player or coach. After the slur was made, it was made public that Powell had previously made numerous homophobic posts on social media. Melbourne captain Max Gawn said it was "embarrassing" for Powell to call himself an AFL player in light of the controversy. AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said, "It is extremely disappointing to be dealing with a similar incident in only a matter of weeks."

Statistics Updated to the end of round 22, 2026.

149 !! 21 !! 33 !! 1546 !! 868 !! 2414 !! 695 !! 390 !! 0.1 !! 0.2 !! 10.4 !! 5.8 !! 16.2 !! 4.7 !! 2.6 !! 0