It was not an emphatic declaration of intent, but out-of-contract Gold Coast midfielder Matt Rowell thinks he is likely to re-sign with the Suns this year.
The 2019 No.1 draft pick has been courted by Victorian power clubs and met in person with Geelong, Collingwood and Essendon in the off-season. He was also voted into the leadership group at the club last week, leaving him in the sticky position of being a leader who is yet to commit longer term to the club.
Looking elsewhere? Matt Rowell has met with other clubs but thinks he will likely re-sign with the Suns.Credit: Getty Images
“I am not worrying about that [contract discussions] at the moment. I am focusing on training well and getting ready for the season, I am committed to the Suns and focused on the season coming up,” Rowell said.
Queried whether that commitment indicated he was likely to re-sign with Gold Coast, Rowell replied: “I think so. Obviously, that will just happen when we get to it, but I am just worried about the season coming up.”
He added there was no timeline on re-signing but declined to comment on the meetings he had with Geelong, Essendon and Collingwood. He also felt his contract talks and meetings with other clubs had not been a distraction for him or the club.
Rowell’s lost one close friend at the club in the off-season, his former housemate Jack Lukosius, but has seen another long-term close friend, Noah Anderson, elected club captain for next year.
Noah Anderson (centre) and Rowell celebrate a goal during a 2022 game.Credit: Getty Images
“It’s a really special relationship me and Noah have. It’s exciting he’s got the captaincy now. I am excited to get behind him, I think he can be a great captain for this footy club,” Rowell said of his Carey Grammar school friend who was taken with pick two in the draft behind Rowell.
“I am keen to play another season with him. Really excited.
“We want to have success this year, we want to make finals. We want to be a serious footy team and I think when you come up against us, you know it’s going to be a tough battle.
“This year I want to step into more of a leadership role and being in the leadership group I am really excited about it. Supporting Noah and stepping up as a leader.”
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