Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew believes the “most sensible” option for injured revelation Matt Rowell is to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.
Last year’s No.1 draft pick dislocated his right shoulder during the first quarter of Saturday’s AFL defeat to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
The Suns won’t be rushed into deciding whether the star 19-year-old is operated on, but Dew says the club will opt for a conservative approach.
“We want to make sure we look after him and make sure he has a long career, and not get blinded by the previous four weeks, as hard as that is,” Dew told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday.
“The conservative and probably most sensible given his age and position he plays (is to have surgery).
“He’s going to get in these positions a lot in terms of getting tackled and put to the ground.
“It’s really important we take a breath and do what’s best. Whatever’s best for Matt is going to be best for our football club because we clearly see him as a long-term player for our football club.”
Rowell had soared into Brownlow Medal contention after one of the all-time great starts to an AFL career.
The gun midfielder’s early dominance even led to betting agencies paying out on him collecting this year’s Rising Star award.
Rowell has flown with the Suns to Wollongong, where the Gold Coast will spend the next two weeks and play Melbourne and Sydney.
Two-time Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick is in awe of how Rowell’s started his AFL career.
“I only saw a little bit of (Rowell) as an under-18 player – because we were no chance of getting him in the draft – but by God, he’s been a wonderful, wonderful talent to watch,” Hardwick told AFL 360.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Disappointing all over. Disappointing for the kid who was already making an impact. Disappointing for the Suns as he's clearly made them a better team. Disappointing for the AFL and it's fans. The story of the kid and whether he could possibly win the Brownlow in his 1st year would of been a belter to follow throughout the year. Speedy recovery Matt! Look forward to you back out of the field
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Awful news. The kid can play. Have enjoyed watching the Marmites this year, more than most sides, and this lad was one of the reasons why. Wish him a speedy recovery and a long career.
ConnorJoyce
Roar Rookie
You can only imagine he is completely devastated...but there could be a positive spin to take out of it. Rowell will have a full year, without school to worry about, to get his body right for 2021. He should still get a full preseason. As much as he looks already mature and like a born leader, this kind of setback is truly mentally and emotionally tough. It will no doubt hold him in good stead for the rest of his career. There is a huge chance he will be the captain of the Suns for 10 or so years in the future and experiences like this can only build on his character and the person he is outside of football, as well as at the club. Horrific news for all football fans. This match was such a joy to watch so early in his career...but from what we have seen, he will do everything the club asks of him to be fit and ready to go when his body is ready. One year off so that he can be a champion for the next 15. Seems like the right call by the club and his return will be even better than before.
Gary
Roar Rookie
Good statement, and undertaking by Dew and the Suns. It would be nice to see the Suns, with Dew and Rowell etal, play their first finals together. Hope their membership gets a boost next year.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Poor kid. Could have been a real Brownlow threat had he played out the season in current form. Terrible news for him, and considering he wanted to get back out and play on Sunday, sure the kid’s devastated if season-ending surgery is the option taken. Hopefully many bright years ahead for him.