‘Not ideal’: Hardwick opens up on star’s trade links; lifeline looms for delisted Dee — Trade Whispers

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has revealed that he has held discussions with star Matt Rowell this pre-season over his long-term future at the club, as speculation rises over his whereabouts beyond 2025.

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And out west, the Eagles are narrowing in on a late charge for a defensive asset that could see a delisted Dee handed a lifeline.

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HARDWICK’S SIT DOWN WITH STAR MIDFIELDER

As time runs out on the contract of superstar Matt Rowell, coach Damien Hardwick has revealed that he himself has held conversations with the 23-year-old in regards to his future at the club.

Clubs such as Geelong have already got the ball rolling in their bid to make the rival on-baller their own, while Collingwood and St Kilda are two other Victorian clubs believed to be in hot pursuit of Rowell to help replace veteran players in and around the stoppage.

Multiple outlets reported on Tuesday night that Hardwick has sat down with Rowell, in a rare move from the three-time Richmond premiership coach.

“We caught up this week and just spoke about where we see this side going,” Hardwick told Code Sports’ Callum Dick.

“I think you’re always concerned when one of your best players is talking to other clubs but it’s also the industry, we understand that.

“Every player is entitled, when they come out of contract, to make a decision whether it’s financially or for family reasons or whatever, to discuss that.

“What we have to do as a club and organisation is hold up our end of the bargain. We have to provide Rowelly with the best place possible to play his best footy and we also have to win footy games – to this stage we probably haven’t delivered on the winning footy games.”

The 85-game contested ball beast will have served six years at the Suns come the end of 2025, meaning he does not currently qualify as a free agent. Subsequently, rivals looking to poach Rowell would need to pay a hefty price if they were to acquire his skillset.

AFL Media’s Michael Whiting also spoke with the second-year Suns coach on Tuesday night, noting that he understands why Rowell may have met with other clubs.

“It’s not ideal when one of your best players is having a chat with an opposition, but that’s part and parcel of the industry,” said Hardwick.

“It’s part of AFL footy. It’s not ideal, but people are speaking to our players, we’re speaking to opposition players, we’re not naive to that.

“It’s a big boy industry.

“We’re confident Matt will stay. He’s loved here by our players, our coaching staff and our fans.”

EAGLES’ LAST-MINUTE SSP BID

An eleventh hour AFL opportunity for delisted Demon Adam Tomlinson looks to have emerged, with West Coast enquiring on his potential to move across the country for them in 2025.

The Herald Sun’s Jay Clark reported on Tuesday afternoon that the Eagles sat down with Tomlinson in Melbourne, hoping the key defender would be open to training with them as an SSP (supplemental selection period) player.

The 185-game player has been training with North Melbourne’s VFL side this season however, and may not be ideal given for his young family.

New coach Andrew McQualter hasn’t been afraid to think outside the box to help bulk up his defence, with forward Ryan Maric training as a defender in patches this pre-season. Foxfooty.com.au can also reveal that young ruck Harry Barnett has also been trialled as a swingman across the summer, as McQualter looks to leave no stone unturned.

Delisted Saints defender James Van Es and former uncapped Suns tall Sandy Brock are currently vying for a similar opening at the club, continuing to train with the club in the lead up to Round 1.