Gold Coast Suns’ hard-nosed midfielder Matt Rowell has formally signed a two-year contract extension. As part of this deal, he is assured to be with the club until at least the end of 2027. Even so, the announcement reverberated throughout the news world on Thursday. It was a special sight for Rowell and the Suns, who are seeking their first ever finals appearance this season.
At just 24 years old, Rowell has already established himself as one of his team’s most important players. He’s been a key cog in an excellent midfield trident alongside Noah Anderson and Touk Miller. His recent work on the field has made him an intriguing draw. He showed tremendous perseverance and will in battling through extensive injury trials in 2020 and 2021. Physically, he has done something very few American players have accomplished in recent years—building a run of 93 straight match appearances—a monstrous feat in itself.
Although he received very attractive offers from clubs in his home state of Victoria, Rowell decided to stick with the Gold Coast. Whatever the case, this decision is certainly a huge victory for the Suns, who have made a playoff push this season. Craig Cameron, the Suns’ talent and strategy boss, expressed confidence in Rowell’s commitment, stating that it reflects the growing ambition within the club.
Rowell conveyed his excitement at being able to continue his journey with Gold Coast. He stated, “I love this club and the opportunities I have had to develop as a person and player on the Gold Coast.” He pointed toward the team-wide willingness to scramble for glory. As he said at the time, “The main thing for everyone at the club is real ambition and hunger for success. 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.”
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick was clearly happy about Rowell’s new deal judging by this celebration. He flashed two fingers during his announcement, playfully signaling the two-year extension.
Rowell has a close connection with captain Noah Anderson. Their decades of friendship fuel his loyalty to the club’s long history. As they work together towards achieving their goals, Rowell noted, “We are building something special. 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.”
