Geelong Cats are actively pursuing Gold Coast Suns' star midfielder Matt Rowell, holding a secret meeting last year to discuss his potential recruitment. The 23-year-old former number one draft pick met with Cats' coach Chris Scott and football boss Andrew Mackie at a private apartment located along Melbourne's scenic bayside. This strategic move highlights Geelong's intent to reinforce its midfield lineup with younger talent as they respond to the aging ranks of their current midfield brigade.
Rowell, who is currently unsigned beyond the 2025 season, has become one of the Suns’ key players since being drafted first overall back in 2019. Despite glowing praise from both players and coaches, he remains as yet without a contract extension signaled from the Suns. The Cats perceive Rowell as the perfect candidate to fortify their midfield alongside rising players such as Bailey Smith and Max Holmes. "Come and become the next Joel Selwood in our star-studded midfield," the Cats reportedly pitched during their meeting, alluding to the legacy left by the former Cat and current Geelong great.
Chris Scott has previously drawn comparisons between Rowell, Joel Selwood, and dual Brownlow medallist Chris Judd, noting the significant prowess Rowell demonstrated from the get-go of his career. “My mind does go back a little bit to Chris Judd and Joel Selwood when they started in the competition,” Scott remarked, emphasizing the level of confidence they had entering the league. Rowell's achievements lend credence to this expectation; he ranked among the top five AFL players for contested possessions, clearances, and tackles last season, proving himself as a formidable force on the field.
Since his debut season, Rowell has faced adversity, grappling with shoulder and knee injuries, yet he has made significant contributions, finishing consistently within the top six for the Suns' best and fairest awards. His dedication to improving each year is evident, and reports from within the industry confirm Rowell remains committed to delivering strong performances for Gold Coast.
While Rowell reaffirms his appreciation for life on the Gold Coast, mentioning, “It’s a good place to live, especially for an athlete, in terms of the weather, it’s pretty hot in the summer,” there is mounting pressure from rival clubs, including Collingwood, which are also eyeing his potential departure from the Suns. Collingwood’s interest is pointedly noted as they look to revamp their own aging midfield, needing to replace veterans like Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom.
With Geelong’s midfield currently featuring several players over 30, such as Patrick Dangerfield, Mark Blicavs, Mitch Duncan, and Cam Guthrie, recruiting Rowell would not only introduce youthful vigor to their roster but also solidify future strategies as they transition this core group. The Cats would undoubtedly benefit from his skill set and youthful enthusiasm, which can only drive competition within the squad.
Yet, the clock ticks for Geelong, as Rowell’s current contract situation dictates their approach. If the Cats hope to secure the promising midfielder, they must negotiate with the Suns, who are reportedly reluctant to part with one of their foundational players, especially as they build toward future contention. Last year's successful acquisition of Bailey Smith adds more fuel to their ambitions, as they continue to signify their intent to remain competitive.
Rumors are circulating, following last year’s trade period where the Cats had also expressed interest in Melbourne's star Clayton Oliver before he reaffirmed his commitment to the Demons. Speculation about such high-profile targets consistently surrounded Geelong, spawning discussions about their strategic vision for the midfield moving forward.
Rowell, it seems, remains focused on his goal with the Suns, indicated by his request to hold discussions without distraction from his preseason commitments. This indicates both maturity and dedication, traits which have rapidly endeared him to fans and teammates alike. Despite the Cats' aspirations, Rowell expressed: “Not at this point, I don’t think, I’m happy here (on the Gold Coast) at the moment,” explaining his current sense of contentment with his place in the Suns organization.
Conclusively, the stage is set for 2025 as Geelong aims to sharpen their focus on securing young AFL talent to prepare for the next generation of footy. Matt Rowell stands at the center of this evolution as both clubs navigate the precarious balance of contract negotiations and player development. Losing Rowell would certainly be detrimental to the Suns' long-term plans under Damien Hardwick as they strive to cultivate their young talent and establish their identity within the league, marking this as a pivotal crossroads for both Rowell and the franchises involved.