Gold Coast star midfielder Matthew Rowell has admitted he was tempted to go back to his home state in Victoria, but made the decision to re-sign based on a gut feeling there was "unfinished business" to achieve with his northern club.
Attracting interest from multiple Victorian teams, including Geelong, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, Rowell was reported to have met with such clubs as he weighed up his future, coming out of contract for the first time in his career.
The former Pick 1 quickly emerged as a bona fide star in the competition as soon as he stepped foot in an AFL arena, but only after his first two seasons did Rowell find consistency and an injury-free run.
A contested ball-winning machine, Rowell's disposal figures have increased year-on-year, while he remains one of the premier tacklers in the competition, astonishingly averaging over eight per game in the last three seasons.
In 2025, the Suns are well-placed for their best shot at finals since their inception, with Damien Hardwick's gameplan and the club's current list providing potential for success that was hard to ignore for Rowell.
The 23-year-old conceded that he did weigh up a move from the club, but ultimately the promising direction of the team was significant enough to stay in the Sunshine State for at least a further two seasons.
"There was a bit of a lure (to go home)," Rowell said.
"It was the first time coming out of contract that I really had a good think about it.
"With family back home and mates there's always a bit of a lure โฆ there was a bit to weigh up.
"It took a while because I really like to think things through and really make sure I know the pros and cons of everything. I'm glad I took my time and I'm really happy with the decision.
"It was more going with my gut and feeling where my heart lies as well.
"It's really a combination of looking at the foundation of a club and where it's at, but then also the connection I feel as well. I go with my gut on most things. Usually that steers me โ my heart and my gut.
"It was definitely a feeling, as well as looking at some actual things. I'm really excited what this group can do. I've got some really good mates here I love playing with. I felt like if I was to leave, it would be a bit of unfinished business.
"I'm really keen to get some success at this club and play some finals and I feel like we're on a good trajectory to do that."
The Suns may have slipped out of finals calculations for the first time this season after a third-consecutive loss in Round 15, but with a game in hand, September action for Gold Coast still remains well and truly on the cards.
With a strong percentage intact and a run home that includes six more games at People First Stadium, Rowell's ambitions for success are on track to come to fruition.
