AFL 2020: Scans confirm shoulder dislocation for Gold Coast young gun

Surgery looms as an option for Gold Coast rising star Matthew Rowell.

AFL Round 5. Geelong v Gold Coast at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong. 04/07/2020. Matthew Rowell of the Suns at half time . Pic: Michael Klein

Gold Coast officials will take their time deciding whether young gun Matt Rowell needs surgery after scans confirmed he dislocated his shoulder against Geelong.

Brownlow medal betting was suspended pending confirmation of the immediate playing future of the number one draft pick who had rocketed in to contention after a stunning start to his career.

But this electric form, which had included perfect 10 scores from AFL coaches in their player of the year voting, was brought to a halt when he injured himself against Geelong on Saturday.

The Suns General Manager of Football Jon Haines confirmed the shoulder dislocation but said the club wouldn’t be rushed on deciding what to do next.

“We had some scans taken yesterday and those scans have confirmed it’s a dislocation,” Haines said.

“Our medical team have viewed those scans and we’ve also sought some external views on those scans as well.

“What we’ll do now is take a little bit of time to assess those options, assess the views and have a good chat about it.

“We don’t feel like we have to rush the decision, we understand there is a high level of interest in it, but we also want to make sure we make the right decision for Matt and that will be done in consultation with Matt and his family.”

“We’ll do that over the next little bit and then work out what the best way forward is.”

Matthew Rowell in action against Geelong. Pic: Michael Klein

Rowell travelled with the Suns to their new home in Woolongong, but he could leave depending on the next step in his recovery.

“He’s in good spirits, he’s frustrated and disappointed obviously, but that’s the type of person he is,” Haines said.

“He’s been terrific, he’s rejoined the group and depending on what path we take with our decision, we’ll make a decision on whether he stays here or not.”

Not only was Rowell in the top three of Brownlow betting, he was also odds-on to win the Rising Star Award.