Victorian rivals still keen on re-signed Sun Rowell

Oliver Caffrey | June 26, 2025

Star midfielder Matt Rowell phoned Victorian suitors, including premiership favourites Collingwood, to let them know he was re-signing with Gold Coast for another two years.

One of the best players off-contract in the AFL, the former No.1 draft pick has turned down big offers to return to his home state in a major win for the Suns.

Talent has drained out of the Suns since their inception in 2011, with Collingwood, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs all meeting with Rowell about a potential move during this year’s trade period.

Southern rivals will again come hard at the 24-year-old when he is next out of contract in 2027.

Magpies coach Craig McRae confirmed Rowell had reached out ahead of Thursday’s official announcement, cheekily suggesting Collingwood will “see what happens after” the new deal expires.

“He gave me a call on Monday and I think that’s a sign of his character,” McRae said of Rowell.

“Hence why we would be talking to players like him. 

“Bring quality players to your footy club, but guys with high character, and he’s definitely got that, and we wish him well for his next two years.”

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge last Sunday spoke in-depth about the club’s pursuit of Rowell.

Suns coach Damien Hardwick bit back about Beveridge’s comments.

“Luke should just be mindful of looking after his own players a little bit,” Hardwick said on Thursday with a laugh.

“We understand that’s the industry.

“It’s not something I think any coach feels overly comfortable about, but we’re big boys.”

Hardwick believes Rowell’s future beyond the next contract will take care of itself if this Gold Coast group can start playing finals.

“You see him up close and the work he puts in, I don’t think I’ve seen many people work as hard as what he does,” Hardwick said.

“There’s a reason he’s one of the best players in the competition, he works harder than everyone else and he demands high standards of himself.

“I think he can see what this club will eventually become … he sees the possibility of what may be.”

Rowell declared his love for the club, praising the person and player he has become since being drafted six years ago.

“There’s a real hunger for success from everyone at the club,” he said.

“We’re not shying away from the fact we want to play finals and win premierships, and that’s something I’m excited to be part of.

“We want to win and make the Gold Coast community proud, and I’m looking forward to playing my role in achieving that in the years to come.”

After injury hampered the early stages of his career in 2020 and 2021, Rowell has strung together 93 consecutive matches.

He has formed a lethal midfield mix with captain Noah Anderson and Touk Miller, putting the Suns in contention to play finals this year for the first time.

Hardwick was fined $2000 by the AFL earlier in the week for raising his middle finger late in the Suns’ close loss to GWS.

The footage wasn’t broadcast live during the match, but eventually shown on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 program on Monday night when Hardwick was a guest.

Hardwick took responsibility for the obscene gesture, saying he would pay the fine and direct it towards charity, RizeUp.

Intentionally cheeky or just a funny mistake, Hardwick raised two fingers during his press conference when indicating the length of Rowell’s new contract.

“Oh shit, I should turn it (his hand) around the other way,” Hardwick said, getting a big laugh from the press pack.”