Gold Coast Suns midfielder Matt Rowell has sparked significant interest from Victorian clubs as he enters the final year of his contract with the Suns. Among the frontrunners, Collingwood appears to be the most likely destination for the talented 22-year-old, thanks to his longstanding connection with Magpies star Nick Daicos.
Rowell and Daicos share a rich footballing history, having played together in the 2018 APS Championship alongside current Suns teammate Noah Anderson. This relationship reportedly played a key role in Collingwood’s pursuit of the star midfielder, with speculation mounting that Rowell could follow the lead of Daniel Houston, who joined the Magpies last season after being courted by the Daicos brothers.
When questioned about his future, Rowell remained measured.
“Right now, my focus is on giving everything I’ve got to the Suns in 2024. Beyond that, I’ll weigh up what’s best for my career and personal growth,” he said.
Collingwood’s interest in Rowell aligns with their strategy of adding elite midfield talent. The club is also rumored to be keen on Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw, Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli, Carlton ruck-forward Tom De Koning, and West Coast star Oscar Allen, making Rowell one of several high-profile targets.
Adding fuel to the fire, Daicos has a track record of helping secure players with personal connections. His successful efforts to lure Houston, his junior football teammate at Greythorn, to the Magpies demonstrate Collingwood’s ability to leverage personal relationships in their recruitment strategy.
Rowell’s potential move would mark a major coup for Collingwood as they look to cement their position as a premiership contender. For now, Suns fans will be hoping Rowell stays focused on leading the charge in 2024, despite the noise surrounding his future.