Bodhi Uwland: From Rehab to Finals and The Mindset Shift Behind the Suns’ Rise | #235
In episode 235, Max chats with Gold Coast Suns Player Bodhi Uwland for an honest and wide-ranging conversation on development, resilience, and what it really takes to make it at AFL level. We unpack the Suns’ pre-season under Damian Hardwick, the impact of new additions like Christian Petracca, and how standards, role clarity and system buy-in are shaping the group heading into 2026. Bodhi opens up on his personal journey growing up on the Gold Coast, coming through the Suns Academy, and navigating one of the most challenging periods of his career after fracturing his back in his draft year. He reflects on wearing a back brace 23 hours a day, the mental toll of an open-ended rehab, and how he earned respect while sidelined during his first year on an AFL list. The conversation also explores the value of northern academies in player development, the moment he was dropped for the first time and how he responded, and what changes when a new coach arrives with a clean slate and clear expectations. Plus, the Suns’ first-ever finals win - the emotion of that moment, and the shift from rehabilitation to genuine belief and performance at the highest level. All this and much more in episode 235 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/