Mac Andrew: Biography, Salary, Height, and Career

When you watch Mac Andrew glide across the MCG, it’s easy to forget he only started playing Australian rules football as a teenager. The Gold Coast Suns defender has quickly become one of the AFL’s most intriguing young talents, thanks to his rare combination of height, athleticism, and a story that begins far from the game.

Height: 201 cm ·
Weight: 74 kg ·
Date of Birth: 4 December 2003 ·
Club: Gold Coast Suns ·
Position: Key defender ·
Draft Pick: 5 (2021)

Seven facts across his background, measurables, and draft story:

What country is Mac Andrew from?

Mac Andrew was born in Cairo, Egypt, while his South Sudanese parents were living there as refugees. His family moved to Australia when he was about 18 months old, settling in Melbourne. He grew up in the city’s south-east and began playing Australian rules football late – around age 15 – after initially focusing on basketball and soccer.

Does Mac Andrew have a brother?

Yes, Mac Andrew has a younger brother named Riak Andrew, who also plays AFL football. Riak was drafted by the Melbourne Demons as a category B rookie in 2023 and is developing as a tall forward. The brothers share a close bond, and both credit their family’s South Sudanese heritage for their resilience.

Is Mac Andrew his real name?

Yes, Mac Andrew is his legal name. There is no middle name or alternative spelling. He is sometimes referred to as “Mac Andrew” on official team sheets and media.

When was Mac Andrew born?

Mac Andrew was born on 4 December 2003, according to multiple sources including the Gold Coast Suns (official club site) and AFL Tables (statistical archive).

How tall is Mac Andrew?

Most official sources list Mac Andrew at 201 cm tall. However, some third-party sites like Zero Hanger (AFL news site) and Footywire (statistics aggregator) record him at 202 cm, while SofaScore (sports data platform) lists him at 200 cm. The discrepancy likely reflects measurement variations during different seasons. The most commonly cited figure from AFL Tables is 201 cm.

The implication: Mac Andrew’s diverse origins and late start add a unique layer to his rapid rise in AFL.

What is Mac Andrew known for?

Mac Andrew is known for his rare athletic profile as a 201 cm key defender who can also play forward or as a ruck. He was drafted as a raw ruck/forward prospect by the Gold Coast Suns with pick No. 5 in the 2021 AFL Draft, making him the first South Sudanese player selected in the top five of the draft. The Gold Coast Suns (official club site) describe him as a “spring-heeled defender” who is still only 22 and has “plenty of growth in him.”

What position does Mac Andrew play?

He primarily plays as a key defender, but his versatility has been a hallmark of his development. In his early draft profile, Rookie Me Central (draft scouting site) listed him as a ruck/key forward. Since joining the Suns, he has been developed into a defensive role, and the club’s 2026 season preview notes his “versatility” as a key asset.

What team does Mac Andrew play for?

Mac Andrew plays for the Gold Coast Suns in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was drafted by the Suns in 2021 and has been with the club ever since. He is contracted through to 2030, according to the Gold Coast Suns (official player profile).

What this means: Andrew’s positional range makes him a unique chess piece for Gold Coast’s game plan.

How much is Mac Andrew getting paid?

Mac Andrew’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed. AFL player salaries are governed by a collective bargaining agreement and typically range from around $100,000 for first-year players to over $1,000,000 for established stars. As a top-5 draft pick still on his first contract, Andrew’s earnings are likely in the lower to middle range of the AFL pay scale, but his long-term extension through 2030 suggests the Suns see him as a core part of their future.

What is Mac Andrew’s contract?

According to the Gold Coast Suns (official club site), Andrew is linked to the club until 2030. Third-party sites like Zero Hanger (AFL news site) and Footywire (statistics aggregator) also confirm the 2030 end date. The exact financial terms remain confidential, but the length of the deal shows the club’s commitment.

The pattern: The Suns are investing in potential, not yet proven output, which carries both opportunity and risk.

“He’s a spring-heeled defender who is still only 22 and has plenty of growth in him.”

— Gold Coast Suns (official player profile, 2025)

“Mac Andrew is a rising Sun on matchwinning goals, mega contracts and being an entertainer.”

— AFL (league article, 2025)

For Gold Coast Suns fans and AFL observers, the implication is clear: Mac Andrew represents a rare athletic template that the club has invested in for the long haul. The 201 cm key defender has already shown flashes of his potential, but his development curve – from a late-starting teenager to a top-5 draft pick to a contracted cornerstone – suggests his best football is still ahead. The club’s decision to lock him in through 2030 means they are betting on that trajectory, not just on his current output.

Mac Andrew’s South Sudanese heritage shapes his game, and Mac Andrews salary and ethnicity his salary and family background are equally compelling.

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