Tom Ellis, with the support of Zach Frederick, targeted and approached John Peters and Brandon Kaufman to attend the Selection Camp in Denver.

Their understanding of the American College system combined with their recruiting data bases allowed them to recruit the best athletes.

John Peters was recruited from Cincinnati after competing in College Football as a Tight End.  John is 203cm with excellent speed and strength.  

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John picked up the skills of Australian Football particularly well and demonstrated these at the Gold Coast Suns Trial on the Gold Coast.

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John was offered a contract by the Gold Coast Suns but ultimately rejected the chance to sign an AFL contract due to the difficulty the Suns had with ascertaining finances.  John would instead sign with the Cincinnati Bengals to their Training Squad before being cut two months later.

Both John and Brandon were invited to attend a one-week trial with the Gold Coast Suns on the Gold Coast.  This was awarded to them after a successful Selection Camp.

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Both athletes arrived in Australia in January of 2016.  Both athletes were housed with Suns players and were exposed to the challenges of AFL and the training requirements.

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Both athletes performed extremely well.  John excelled in tap work and kicking and was seen as an excellent fit for the ruck position.  Brandon excelled with his athleticism, competitiveness, and willingness to be coached.  His kicking was good; however, not on the same level as John.

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Upon completion of the one-week trial, both players were offered contracts with terms to follow.  

Sean Clarke and Tom Ellis, with the help of Australian Leigh McMahon, organised and managed the three week Selection Camp.  

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John Peters and Brandon Kaufman attended 12 skill and game development sessions, 9 endurance training sessions, and an organised game of Australian Football with the Denver Bulldogs.

Brandon Kaufman was signed after spending two years on the Buffalo Bills roster as a Training Squad member.  Brandon is 195cm with extreme speed and strength.

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Brandon picked up the skills of Australian Football excelling all skills; however, his marking, courage, and game awareness were exceptional.

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Brandon eventually agreed to a contract offer by the Gold Coast Suns after financial delays.  Brandon returned to Australia to start his AFL career in March of 2016, played one QAFL reserves game before playing 11 NEAFL games.

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Brandon returned to America before the end of the season due to injury.

Brandon commenced is football playing for Labrador in their reserves side.  Kicking a goal in his first game.

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From there, the Suns elevated him to their NEAFL side where he would play Full Back and Centre Half Back.  

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Brandon picked up the nuances of the game extremely quickly; however, would still make some mistakes along the way.  Such as, running without bouncing the ball.

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Brandon had an appetite for winning the football and enjoyed beating his opponent, accumulating possession, running and carrying the ball, and kicking to team-mates.

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Brandon, in his 9th and 10th game had over 20 possessions in both games.  Receiving praise from coaches.  Brandon's 11th game would be his last, finishing injured.