Malcolm Rosas contract extension: Gold Coast small forward signs two-year deal to end of 2025

Malcolm Rosas Jr wants to break out of the shadow left by Izak Rankine at Gold Coast – but he knows that’s easier said than done. The forward opens up on his new deal and the future.

Livewire Gold Coast small forward Malcolm Rosas Jr says he is ready to take his game to another level after inking a fresh two-year deal tying him to the club until at least the end of 2025.

The Northern Territory product joined the Suns as an Academy preselection ahead of the 2019 draft and has played 34 games over four seasons at Carrara.

He was billed by some as Izak Rankine’s ready-made replacement after the latter left for Adelaide in the off-season, but Rosas says he never felt the pressure to fill those shoes.

“Nah, I don’t think so,” the 22 year old told this masthead ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Crows.

“I was playing mostly last year with him (in the side) so I didn’t feel like it was a big step (once Rankine left). He supported me all through last year and still does.

“I definitely wanted to be like him – he’s a gun player, everyone wants to be like Izak. But I just want to be me.”

Rosas kicked a goal in Gold Coast’s big upset win over Brisbane on Saturday. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos

Rankine has blossomed into one of the star small forwards of the competition at the Crows and was averaging just under two goals and 16 disposals per game before he went down with a hamstring injury against Melbourne in round 19.

Rosas by comparison averages nine disposals and 0.8 goals from 14 games so far this season.

The Suns had hoped to unleash Rosas in a part-time midfield role this season but the fourth-year player has spent the majority of his time inside 50 and not topped 70 per cent time on ground.

His electric pace is a major weapon but Rosas wants to add further strings to his bow as he eyes a future in the midfield.

“I don’t feel like I’ve quite grown into my body yet,” he said.

“I’d like to get physically bigger and build more of a tank.

“I think at the moment I’m more of a high speed runner, but I think I can definitely be more of a consistently good runner throughout four quarters.”

Izak Rankine left the Suns at the end of last season and was enjoying a career-best year before suffering a hamstring injury last month. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

But Rosas just wants to be himself. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

Rosas revealed it was illness that caused him to be dropped after the loss to Collingwood in round 16 but was then told he needed to earn a return to the senior side.

He was thrown into the midfield in the Suns’ 40-point VFL win over the Giants a fortnight ago and flourished with two goals from 26 disposals.

That earned him a recall in time for Saturday’s drought-breaking QClash victory over the Lions.

Regular midfield minutes likely won’t come until he gets another pre-season under his belt but Rosas is ready to retool himself and break out of Rankine’s shadow once and for all.

“Cleaner, faster, electric, lively … I want to use my speed as a defensive part to my game as well,” he said.

“Other than that, I’m always working on being cleaner and more composed.

“(Rankine) is a gun. He’s been playing great footy. I’m happy for him and proud for him and hopefully I can catch up with him (this weekend).”

Originally published as Malcolm Rosas contract extension: Gold Coast small forward signs two-year deal to end of 2025