Connor Budarick stands out as a key player for the Gold Coast Suns, earning fans’ respect with his consistent performance and dedication.
In this article, you will know Connor Budarick’s net worth, career earnings, contract details, salary, career stats, career overview, relationship status, and more.
Connor Budarick’s Biography
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Connor Budarick |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Height | 175cm (5’9″) |
| Weight | 75kg (165 lbs) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Turned Pro | 2020 |
| Team | Gold Coast Suns |
| Position | Defender / Midfield |
| Contract End | 2025 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $700,000 |
| Salary | Around $300,000 |
| @cbudarick |
Early Career
Connor Budarick was born in South Australia and spent his childhood in the small fishing town of Robe. At nine, his family moved to Queensland’s Gold Coast, where he soon took to Australian Rules Football. His father, Craig, was also a talented player and inspired Connor’s love for the game.
Budarick played junior football for the Labrador Tigers and joined the Gold Coast Suns Academy at 12. Showing great promise, he made his NEAFL debut for Southport at 16 and was a standout in the Gold Coast Suns reserves in 2018.
During school, he attended Helensvale State High School’s AFL Sport of Excellence program, representing his school in state championships.
By the end of his junior career, he was a team captain, won the Hunter Harrison Medal, and was named All-Australian at the Under 18 Championships.
Professional Career
Budarick entered the AFL when drafted by the Gold Coast Suns as an academy pre-listed player in 2019. He debuted in Round 1, 2020, quickly earning a reputation as a committed defender. Connor suffered a major setback with an ACL injury in 2021 but bounced back to rejoin the Suns.
In the 2025 season, he played as a defender/midfielder, showing impressive versatility and defensive pressure. Over six seasons, Budarick built a reputation for resilience, consistency, and contribution to team success.
His strong work ethic and ability to perform under pressure made him a mainstay in the Suns’ lineup, reaching his 50th AFL game milestone.
Connor Budarick’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Connor Budarick’s estimated net worth is around $700,000. This amount includes his contracts, salary, bonuses, and endorsements.
Contract
Connor Budarick signed a three-year contract extension in 2022, keeping him at the Gold Coast Suns until the end of the 2025 season.
As of August 2025, he is considering a new two-year offer from the Suns, which could extend his stay and set him up for free agency. He remains a valued utility player and has attracted interest from other AFL clubs, showing his growing reputation and value.
Salary
Budarick’s annual salary is estimated at around $300,000. This places him solidly among the club’s core players, although he is not one of the highest-paid stars in the league.
His salary reflects his development, importance to the Gold Coast Suns, and steady contributions as defender and pressure forward.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Estimated Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Gold Coast Suns | $120,000 |
| 2021 | Gold Coast Suns | $130,000 |
| 2022 | Gold Coast Suns | $150,000 |
| 2023 | Gold Coast Suns | $150,000 |
| 2024 | Gold Coast Suns | $180,000 |
| 2025 | Gold Coast Suns | $300,000 |
Career Stats
| Year | Games | Goals | Avg. Disposals | Avg. Marks | Avg. Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | 1 | 9.2 | 2.3 | 1.7 |
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | 14.0 | 5.5 | 2.0 |
| 2022 | 9 | 0 | 15.0 | 4.9 | 2.4 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | 17.5 | 5.0 | 2.5 |
| 2024 | 8 | 0 | 15.0 | 4.5 | 2.3 |
| 2025 | 6 | 0 | 11.3 | 2.8 | 2.2 |
| Total | 42 | 1 | 12.5 | 3.6 | 2.1 |
FAQs
1. When did Connor Budarick make his AFL debut, and how did he perform in his first season?
Connor Budarick made his AFL debut for the Gold Coast Suns in Round 1 of the 2020 season. He played 15 games that season and became known for his strong defensive pressure and composure at the back.
2. Has Budarick suffered any major injuries, and how did this affect his career?
He suffered a serious ACL injury, causing him to miss most of that season. Budarick worked hard on his recovery and successfully returned to regular AFL action, regaining his spot in the team.
3. What position does Budarick play most often, and what qualities does he bring to the team?
Budarick plays primarily as a defender, often switching between small back and midfield roles. His tackling, pressure on opponents, and ability to read the game make him valuable for the Suns.
4. Does Connor Budarick share his personal life or relationship status publicly?
He shares some aspects of his life through social media, including time with his partner, Katie Bookluck, but keeps his personal life relatively private, with no confirmed marriage or children.
5. What has been Budarick’s contract situation with the Gold Coast Suns in recent years?
Budarick signed a three-year extension, tying him to the Suns until the end. As the season progresses, he considers new offers, showing his ongoing value to the club.
