AFL Rd 2 - Gold Coast v West Coast
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 13: Matthew Rowell of the Suns celebrates his first goal during the round 2 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the West Coast Eagles at Metricon Stadium on June 13, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Emerging Gold Coast Suns star Matt Rowell has signed on with the club until 2023.

The No. 1 draft pick had a sensational start to his debut season, firming as the clear Rising Star favourite and even bolting into Brownlow contention.

However, Rowell went down with a shoulder injury during Round 5 that will likely sideline him for the rest of the season.

Rowell is thrilled on extend his stay at the Gold Coast and is excited by the club's future.

“I’m very excited to commit myself to the Gold Coast Suns,” he told the club website.

“I’ve loved the football club since I’ve arrived and I couldn’t be happier to extend for another two years.

“Getting to play my first game was really something special, I’ve been dreaming of it my whole life.

“I loved running out with the boys and to be a part of a few wins for the club was exciting. I can’t wait to have that feeling again.”

Rowell has remained positive throughout his shoulder injury and is optimistic he will return bigger and better.

“It’s obviously frustrating, but that’s footy, you get injuries,” he said.

“I’ve had a positive mindset since it happened and I’m looking forward to coming back bigger and better.”

Rowell also vowed to the Suns fan base in a video that he is doing all he can to further improve his game.

“I’m doing all I can to improve myself and my game and I can’t wait to get back out there in front of our members at Metricon Stadium again,” he said.

Gold Coast general manager of football operations Jon Haines has been impressed with the energy Rowell has bought to the club.

“Matt is an outstanding young man from a wonderful family and has already had an enormous impact on our football club,” he said.

“We have no doubt that impact will continue to grow as his career progresses at the SUNS and his commitment is further evidence of the playing groups commitment to each other and the future.”