Wil Powell inks contract extension with Gold Coast committing to the Suns until the end of 2029

He’s still got a year to run on his current contract, but exciting defender Wil Powell’s call to commit for a further four years shows great confidence in Damien Hardwick and the Suns, writes CALLUM DICK.

Wil Powell in action against Richmond. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The wins keep coming for Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast with silky-skilled defender Wil Powell signing a four-year contract extension on Wednesday.

Powell’s new deal will tie him and the Suns together until at least the end of 2029.

The 24-year-old still had a year to run on his previous contract but both player and club wasted little time locking him in on a long-term deal.

Powell proved he will be a valuable asset in Hardwick’s system on Saturday when he amassed a career-high 28 disposals in the 39-point win over Richmond.

The West Australian is one of the most damaging ball users at the club and an underrated interceptor of the footy.

Wil Powell has inked a four-year extension at the Suns. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

He claimed 11 intercept possessions against the Tigers and looks to have fit seamlessly into Hardwick’s back six.

“I’m over the moon,” said Powell, who became a father just three weeks ago.

“I feel really comfortable on and off the field, it’s such a family-oriented club and it made my decision to sign on the dotted line very easy.

“The extension takes me until I’m 29 years old which is crazy to think about. If they told me that I would be drafted and play until I was 29, and hopefully more, I would have laughed.

“I’ve worked hard to get here and I’ve had great support from my family, my partner and especially the club.”

A former Club Champion runner-up in 2021, Powell’s two most recent seasons have been cruelled by serious ankle injuries.

Great News: Wil Powell has turned his back on free agency and inked a long-term contract extension with the club. #AFL#GCSUNShttps://t.co/PTGM4t2VKt

— Gold Coast Suns (@GoldCoastSUNS) March 12, 2024

In 2022 Powell dislocated and fractured his right ankle against Adelaide in Round 14. Last year, against the same opposition, he injured the medial ligaments in his ankle after landing awkwardly in a marking contest.

Powell was arguably in career-best form before his most recent ankle injury and appears to have picked up where he left off if his stellar showing against Richmond is any indication.

“Since arriving at the club, Wil has continued to impress both on and off the field, developing into one of the finest defenders in the AFL and being regarded as a young leader among the playing group,” Suns list boss Craig Cameron said.

“He’s an important part of our future which is why we’re thrilled to have finalised a contract extension that will see him remain on the Gold Coast for many years to come.”

Powell was drafted to the Suns with Pick No. 19 in the 2017 draft and has played 88 games in seven seasons.

Originally published as Wil Powell inks contract extension with Gold Coast committing to the Suns until the end of 2029