A remarkable growth spurt helped Aaron Hall nab an AFL contract – so no surprise the Gold Coast Suns recruit stood out in the pre-season cup victory over Melbourne at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

The Tasmanian was just 160cm tall at 17 and appeared to have missed his chance to impress AFL scouts.

However, an incredible burst of 26cm in three years – and sensational form in the Tasmanian State League – helped the 21-year-old be snapped up by the Suns in last year’s pre-season draft.

And he stood tall in the Suns’ pre-season opener, kicking two goals as the Gold Coast got home 4.2 (26) to 3.5 (23) in the rain.

Scores were 14-14 at halftime after Mitch Clark hit the ground running with his new club Melbourne.

The WA-born product will be in the Brisbane Lions’ sights this season after being lured away by a cashed-up Demons despite initially requesting a trade to Fremantle due to homesickness.

However, the Suns were also wary of Clark after he opened his campaign with the Demons with a smart goal in the opening minutes.

Clark easily outmuscled former Demon Matthew Warnock to mark and slot home a settling goal for Melbourne to open the scoring.

A Nathan Jones goal blew the lead out to 13-0 before Hall’s first major and a Michael Rischitelli goal helped tie up the scores at the main break.

Hall’s next major in the second half – after wonderful lead-up work by Gary Ablett – iced the result for the Suns.