Gold Coast midfielder and reigning Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell isn't going anywhere despite strong interest from the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne.
Rowell, despite being contracted for next year, has loomed as a potential trade target for rival clubs in Victoria, and, after a tumultuous Suns season, was viewed as gettable.
The Bulldogs are heavily in the race for superstar free agent Zak Butters, but have turned their attention to the Suns on-baller if they can't lure the former Port Adelaide player.
However, according to the Herald Sun, Rowell won't entertain a trade this year, and will remain in Gold Coast in 2027.
It's a huge blow for the Bulldogs if they miss out on Butters, who is weighing up a move to Geelong, while Richmond also remains a very slight chance to secure his signature.
As for the Demons, their pair of top-10 picks (6 and 10), one courtesy of last year's trade with Christian Petracca to the Suns, has them primed for an all-out assault on a star player.
Melbourne's immediate development and unlikely finals finish under Steven King have presented the club as enticing to rival players.
King's existing relationship with Rowell during their time spent together at the Suns could be used as a ploy next year if he considers a return to Victoria.
The 25-year-old is understood to be keen to play in the midfield that recently welcomed Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury, while the re-signing of Bailey Humphrey to 2030 further enhances Gold Coast's future.
However, Collingwood, Carlton and Richmond will likely indicate interest in Rowell next year as he weighs up his free agency decision.
The Pies previously pushed for Rowell's signature before he penned a two-year extension in 2025. He also played with Nick Daicos at Carey Grammar.
The Suns will lose star forward Ben King to free agency, with Hawthorn tipped as his next destination.
