James Rowbottom, highly touted midfielder from the Sydney Swans, is causing some serious buzz. Just recently, new Collingwood coach Craig McRae called him to have a chat. However, despite the advances from the Magpies, Rowbottom’s dedication to the Swans does seem compromised.
Rowbottom, 25, is already on a three-year contract extension with Sydney. His manager, Matt Bain, emphasized Rowbottom’s affection for the club, stating, “He loves the club and the players, I can’t see it happening.” And Chris Keane, Sydney’s list boss, agrees. To his mind, Rowbottom won’t be leaving the Swans.
The last four days of the window can always throw up a bit of a curveball,” Bain added. He underscored the potential surprise player movement as the trade deadline approaches. Nevertheless, Keane remains optimistic about Rowbottom’s future with Sydney, asserting, “We have had no indication about James Rowbottom wanting to leave.”
Over the course of the 2024 season, Rowbottom continued to silence doubters with his chip-on-the-shoulder approach to play, ranking as the No.1 tackler in the competition. He held a position in the top 10 of Sydney’s best and fairest players for the season. As the season wore on, he became shuttled out of Sydney’s midfield. He then took on an attacking role for much of the matches.
The Pies have been keenly scouring the league for young midfielders, and Rowbottom’s profile would make him a mighty attractive target. He remains committed to living with the Swans. This decision speaks to his deep investment in the organization and his understanding of its culture.
Despite McRae’s outreach and Collingwood’s interest, it appears that Rowbottom’s future is more secure in Sydney. As the trade period nears its conclusion, negotiations and discussions continue apace. Supporters and pundits alike are waiting with bated breath for some miraculous last-minute story to break that will flip the script.
