Pies, Dons and Cats are circling, but Rowell ‘thinks’ he will re-sign with Suns

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It wasn't a firm statement of commitment, but Gold Coast midfielder Matt Rowell thinks he's likely to re-sign with the Suns this year.

Out of the regular season. He was also voted into the leadership group at the club last week, leaving him in a tricky situation as a leader who hasn't yet committed to a longer-term contract with the club.

“Right now, I'm not stressing about contract talks. I'm just focused on preparing well for the season and getting ready to play, and I'm 100 per cent committed to the Suns, looking ahead to the upcoming season,” Rowell said.

Questioned about whether that commitment suggested he was likely to re-sign with the Gold Coast, Rowell replied: "I think so. Obviously, that will just happen when we get to it, but I'm just ripping into the season coming up."

He said there was no schedule for-returning negotiations but didn't want to talk about the meetings he had with Geelong, Essendon and Collingwood. He also said his contract talks and meetings with other clubs hadn't been a distraction for him or the team.

Rowell's lost one good mate from the club in the off-season, his ex-housemate Jack Lukosius, but's seen another close mate, Noah Anderson, get elected club captain for next year.

"Fair dinkum, Noah and I have got a top mate relationship goin' on. I'm as happy as a clam to see him land the captaincy. Can't wait to get behind him, reckon he'll make a fair star skipper for our footy club," Rowell said of his arch nemesis at Carey Grammar, who got picked second in the draft behind Rowell.

I'm really keen to play another season with him, might be pretty excited.

We're gunning for success this year, want to make the finals. We're looking to become a top-notch footy team and I reckon when you come up against us, you'll know it's going to be an absolute ripper of a contest.

“Fair dinkum, I reckon I'm keen to step up into a leadership role this year and be a part of the leadership group. I'm chuffed to be supporting Noah and taking on more of a leading role.”

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