AFLW contract news: Charlie Rowbottom reveals why she chose to stay at Gold Coast Suns

Charlie Rowbottom was just about the biggest name out-of-contract in the AFLW, and just about every club picked up the phone. But she’s knocked them back – here’s why.

Gold Coast’s turbulent AFLW off-season has hit a much-needed high note with superstar midfielder Charlie Rowbottom spurning heavy rival interest to sign-on for a further two seasons.

In further good news for the club, fellow midfielder Daisy D’Arcy (2026) and dashing defender Niamh McLaughlin (2025) have also penned fresh deals.

Rowbottom said she made the decision to re-sign before coach Cameron Joyce was sacked last week.

Charlie Rowbottom will remain at the Suns. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

The 21-year-old was among the biggest names off-contract at the end of the year and just about every club in the competition did its due diligence on whether luring the former No. 1 pick out of the Suns was possible.

A move to the Swans was heavily speculated given her brother James plays for the AFL side however the Suns – currently without a coach and captain – have managed to keep their prized on-baller under lock and key to the end of 2026.

“I’ve been at the Suns for four seasons now and my connection with the group and our drive for success was a key factor,” Rowbottom told this masthead.

“Gold Coast really feels like a home away from home now so I’m super excited to stay for two more years.”

The now-dual All-Australian and Club Champion revealed her decision to stay at the Suns was well supported by her family, who initially gave her the confidence to nominate Queensland as her preferred destination ahead of the 2021 AFLW draft.

“I’m super lucky to have such a great support system back home … I wouldn’t have made the jump initially without them,” Rowbottom said.

“I feel confident to stay here and super grateful to have them.”

Cameron Joyce was sacked as Gold Coast coach. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

Rowbottom’s first season at the Suns coincided with Joyce’s appointment as head coach.

Last week Gold Coast parted ways with Joyce after a disappointing one-win AFLW campaign.

“I made the decision to stay prior to finding out about Joycey’s departure,” Rowbottom revealed.

“Personally I have a great relationship with Joycey and nothing but gratitude for him. He always put the time into my development and it’s been great to grow under his guidance and I feel as though he’s laid a great foundation for this group under the next coach.”

On the same day of Joyce’s exit, this masthead revealed captain Tara Bohanna had requested a trade away from the club.

“Tara has always had a true, genuine connection to the group being our captain for three seasons,” Rowbottom said.

“Tara had to do what was best for her and we will support her in that decision.”

Rowbottom, who joined the leadership group this season, had a career-best campaign averaging 27.8 disposals, 7.6 clearances and 7.9 tackles to earn a second All-Australian blazer and club best and fairest.

Despite her best efforts the Suns had a season to forget, winning just one game and finishing 17th.

Daisy D’Arcy, Rowbottom and Niamh McLaughlin have all extended their contracts with Gold Coast. Picture: Celeste Humphrey/Gold Coast Suns.

“Obviously this season wasn’t the one we wanted,” Rowbottom said.

“The group is very disappointed but incredibly driven for future success. We still have aspirations to play finals and to win premierships.

“I’m confident we have the group to respond in 2025. I’m excited for what the future holds for our group.

“Last year I was in rehab in the off-season (with a syndesmosis injury) so I didn’t get to run until quite late in the pre-season – I’m really looking forward to getting that conditioning in early and coming back really fit.”

Originally published as AFLW contract news: Charlie Rowbottom reveals why she chose to stay at Gold Coast Suns