The king is dead. Long live Ben King.
He's only four games into his AFL career but Gold Coast youngster Ben King has no qualms with the name Tom Lynch being mentioned in his presence.
While the 18-year-old has a long way to go to reach the level of the former Suns captain, King isn't shying away from the chance to prove himself as the heir apparent to Lynch in Gold Coast's forward line.
Lynch's departure to Richmond has left a key position up for grabs and King, a 202cm swingman taken with pick six in last year's draft, has set about making that role his for the long term following his debut in round nine against Port Adelaide.
The 18-year-old kicked two goals in last Saturday's loss to North Melbourne - the only Suns player to kick more than one major in the 27-point defeat.
"I think it's very exciting," the East Sandringham product told AAP.
"Obviously his spot has to be filled somehow and I feel like I'm in a privileged position to be able to have a crack at that and try and provide another target up there.
"I definitely see it as an opportunity."
After watching fellow draftee Jack Lukosius debut in round one, King had to wait for his chance in the AFL.
Aware of the expectation that comes with being a top 10 draft pick, the teenager plied his trade in the Suns' reserves but didn't let the wait dent his belief.
"To be drafted that high, everyone expects good things of you," he said.
"I try not to focus on it or think about it too much.
"I don't really see it as a burden to have that pressure on me, I kind of see as a privilege and something I'm confident I can live up to one day."
