Suns superstar hasn’t re-signed just yet, Hardwick says

Joanna Guelas and Roger Vaughan | June 22, 2025

Matt Rowell has yet to officially re-sign with Gold Coast, despite strong speculation the in-demand midfielder will stay, coach Damien Hardwick says.

Off-contract Rowell is expected to turn his back on offers from Victorian clubs to re-commit to the Suns after a report that emerged during their seven-point loss to GWS on Sunday.

The star midfielder had been linked with a possible interstate move after he met with Collingwood, Essendon, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs in the off-season.

But Rowell is now tipped to re-commit to the Suns on a two-year contract that will take him to free agency, AFL.com.au reported.

Hardwick, however, brushed aside the mid-game report when asked about the matter after the match.

“As far as I’m concerned, there’s no news at the moment,” Hardwick said.

“All we can continue to do is play our part and provide a good environment for Matt that allows him to play his very best footy.

“Once we find out or get some information, we’ll be the first to pass it on, trust me. We love good players and we love Matt.”

Rowell was drafted to the Suns in 2019 with the prized first overall pick and is averaging 25.2 disposals, 8.2 tackles and 7.7 clearances this season.

His quality shone against the Giants, the 23-year-old finishing with 34 disposals, 12 clearances, eight tackles and 19 contested possessions.

After his team’s Sunday win over Richmond, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was asked to confirm a report that Rowell had called him to confirm he is staying at the Suns.

“They dropped a game and they’re out of the eight, so is it time to change his mind?” was Beveridge’s cheeky reply.

“I haven’t met with Matthew in-season. Matt and I did meet a while ago and loved the connection, we have some common interests.

“I respect his decision absolutely – I haven’t spoken to him, but I will at some point.

“The Suns are lucky to have him.”

All cylinders of the Gold Coast engine were firing on Sunday, with captain Noah Anderson (42 disposals, seven clearances) and Touk Miller (37, seven, two goals) also red-hot.

But the Suns couldn’t capitalise on their early dominance and fumbled a game-high 29-point lead at Engie Stadium.

Rowell’s midfield rival Tom Greene monstered the midfield battle with 31 disposals, 16 clearances, nine tackles and 22 contested possessions.

“You’ve got to heed those lessons and move forward,” Hardwick said.

“High contest, high pressure is how we want it because that’s what finals are like and it was probably a finals-type game.

“When they upped the ante, we were probably found a little bit wanting.

“I just didn’t think we played our moments anywhere near well enough.”

Hardwick was left lamenting a costly 50-metre penalty that gifted GWS star Jesse Hogan the first of his two goals.

Suns defender Mac Andrew had mistaken a “play on” call from a teammate and moved off his mark.

“He heard a play on call,” Hardwick said.

“I’m not quite sure, probably clarification might be needed at some stage.

“It’s costly play. Those moments that we speak about, that effectively just handed them a goal.”