Gold Coast star Matt Rowell opened up about the “lure” of a return to Victoria, admitting he seriously considered leaving the Suns before ultimately signing a two-year extension.
The 23-year-old was out of contract for the first time in his AFL career and drew interest from a host of Victorian clubs, including Geelong, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, before deciding to stay put.
Rowell revealed it wasn’t an easy decision and that the pull of home, family and old mates made for an agonising choice.
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“There was a bit of a lure (to go home),” Rowell told reporters. “It was the first time coming out of contract that I really had a good think about it.”
“My heart and my gut”
Having now established himself as one of the league’s elite tacklers and contested ball-winners, Rowell said it came down to both emotion and belief in the Suns’ future.
“It was more going with my gut and feeling where my heart lies as well,” he said. “I felt like if I was to leave, it would be a bit of unfinished business.”
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The Suns have never played finals in their short history, but under Damien Hardwick, Rowell believes that milestone is within reach, possibly as soon as this season.
Despite slipping out of the top eight after three straight losses, the Suns have a game in hand and six home fixtures to come at People First Stadium. “I'm really keen to get some success at this club and play some finals, and I feel like we're on a good trajectory to do that,” Rowell said.