Matthew Rowell will play for the Gold Coast Suns again next year, rejecting several bids from Melbourne clubs, especially a big-money bid from the Western Bulldogs earlier this week.
The Bulldogs had been hoping that Rowell could plug straight into their midfield as an instant upgrade, after they just missed out on the free agency’s hottest pickup, Zak Butters.
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Rowell, who is still just 25, has made it clear he won’t be entertaining any offers from Victorian squads this offseason, though. He’s so set on staying on the Gold Coast he even went and spoke to Suns football manager Craig Cameron to tell him he wasn’t considering trying to force a trade next month.
Whether the Bulldogs or the Melbourne Demons, who were also sniffing around, come knocking at the end of next season is another story. Rowell will become a major free agent for 2028 this time next year.
Collingwood, Carlton, and Richmond are also preparing signing packages, according to reports from Jay Clark at the Herald Sun a little earlier this week.
When that signing spree begins, Rowell is expected to field offers that come close to $2 million a season, if not more — and he will be watching what Butters gets this year very closely, considering their similar situations.
The Dogs will now turn their focus to Nick Blakey, who has demanded a release from the Sydney Swans after he was stood down in the club’s recent drama.
Western also believe they can still muscle in on the Butters saga before the bell rings.
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