Gold Coast Suns midfielder Matt Rowell has reportedly secured a two-year contract extension, turning down significant offers from other clubs, including Collingwood. The news emerged during the Suns’ narrow loss to Greater Western Sydney (GWS), which ended 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99). Despite media speculation, the Suns remained tight-lipped about the contract during the match.
Rowell’s extension now runs through to free agency and coincides with potential interest from the new Tassie Devils team. This decision, although beneficial for the Suns, comes on a day that saw them surrender a substantial lead, having been ahead by 22 points in the third quarter. GWS surged in the final quarter, scoring eight goals, leaving Gold Coast fans feeling disheartened.
GWS’s Tom Green was a standout, achieving a personal best of 16 clearances from 30 disposals, while Jake Stringer made an impact off the bench, scoring two impressive goals. For Gold Coast, Noah Anderson recorded 42 disposals and two goals, with Touk Miller also making significant contributions. Rowell himself had a productive outing, notching up 34 disposals and 12 clearances.
The defeat is particularly frustrating for the Suns as they are competing for a finals berth, with this loss being deemed a critical “eight-point” game. The Suns currently sit just outside the top eight, pending results from the Western Bulldogs’ match against Richmond. Looking ahead, Gold Coast is set to host Melbourne in round 16, while GWS will enjoy a bye week.