Matt Rowell locks in landmark career decision
The out-of-contract star has had several Victorian clubs circling as he weighed up his future, but Rowell has settled on staying put, at least for the next two years.
'Matt Rowell has committed to staying at the Suns for two years,' 7NEWS Melbourne's Mitch Cleary reported.
'Rowell's agent Tom Petroro flew to the GC on Thursday where he thrashed out the decision before informing the Suns on Friday of his intention to stay.
'Now both parties will talk money in coming days.'
A deal has not been signed yet, but it is now imminent.
Rowell was taken with pick No.1 in the 2019 draft, when the Suns also took Noah Anderson at No.2 and Sam Flanders at 11.
He polled a maximum nine Brownlow votes in his first three games in the AFL before succumbing to a season-ending shoulder injury in his fourth.
Since overcoming that setback and several other injury troubles early in his career, Rowell has become one of the premier inside midfielders in the game, and had been targeted heavily particularly by Victorian clubs, who had tried to lure the 23-year-old home.
He met with Geelong prior to the 2025 season, and had strong interest from Collingwood, among others.
Cleary reported last month that there was a 'growing nervousness' at the Suns that Rowell would seek a move home, but Dale Thomas forecasted on The Agenda Setters that the midfield bull would stay.
'He'll sign a couple of weeks after the bye. Very confident,' Thomas said late last month.
Rowell was drafted alongside high school best mate Anderson, who is now the captain of the club.
Anderson last year signed a contract that ties him to the club until the end of 2027, at which point he will reach free agency.
Speaking after the Suns' win over St Kilda in May, Anderson said he was doing his best to make sure his mate stays.
'As a little pair, we're helping the team win,' he said.
'I'm doing my best (to convince Rowell to stay). Hopefully the wins can help out a little bit, but he's in a good spot.'
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