The Gold Coast is fast becoming the AFL's golden boy with the announcement today that one of its biggest events will move to the city for three years.

Premier Anna Bligh said one of the biggest events on the AFL calendar had been secured for the Gold Coast in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

"This is big news for Queensland AFL fans and the first time the draft - the second biggest event on the AFL calendar - has been held outside of Victoria for an extended period of time," Ms Bligh said today.

More than 130,000 people have already flocked to watch the Gold Coast SUNS' first season at Metricon Stadium, with their last home game still to come next weekend against the Hawks.

Greater Western Sydney will host the event in 2011 (coinciding with the entry of the GWS Giants into the competition) before it returns to the Gold Coast.

The AFL also staged a highly-successful industry conference on the Gold Coast in 2010 involving more than 500 key industry personnel and expert international speakers. Over the next three years, the AFL will work with Events Queensland and other partners with a view to staging another industry conference on the Gold Coast.

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said today: "The Gold Coast proved to be an outstanding venue for the 2010 NAB AFL Draft with great hospitality by the local community and we are really pleased to be able to work with the Queensland Government again to come back next year.

"We had over 500 industry officials and 100 members of the media here to celebrate the entry of our 17th team, as well as to launch the careers of talented young athletes from around the country.

"With a live national telecast on Fox Sports, young players, their families and AFL fans across Australia can witness the beginning of many new AFL careers.

"David Swallow and Harley Bennell have already proved themselves in matches for the SUNS this year and fellow top-ten selection Josh Caddy will get his chance this weekend when he debuts against Melbourne.