DAMIEN Hardwick has cheekily warned Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge to stay in his lane after confirmation on Thursday that star midfielder Matt Rowell would remain with Gold Coast for a further two years.
Following reports on Sunday Rowell would recommit to the Suns, Beveridge spoke in his post-match press conference about his meeting with the former No.1 pick during the off-season.
“Ultimately, he’s an extremely influential player for the Gold Coast Suns, that’s the reason we’re talking to him, because there was uncertainty and he was thinking he might come back to Victoria,” Beveridge said following his team’s win over Richmond.
“As most of the coaches have said along the way: ‘Why wouldn’t you (try poach stars)?’ You’re letting your club down if you don’t’.”
With Rowell inking a deal that keeps him at Carrara until at least the end of 2027, when he will enter free agency, Hardwick responded to his Bulldogs rival’s comments.
“We’re not going to put our head in the sand, we understand players are doing that (talking to rivals) and we’re doing that at the moment as well.
“We’ve got some really exciting players that we’re talking to. We understand that’s the industry.
“It’s not something I think any coach feels overly comfortable about, but we’re big boys, we understand that.”
Hardwick described it as a great day for Gold Coast, confirming Rowell’s signature.
“We’re pumped as a footy club,” he said.
“I don’t think I’ve seen a player that’s more combative in the contest.
“You see him up close and the work he puts in, I don’t think I’ve seen many people work as hard as what he does.
“There’s a reason he’s one of the best players in the competition, he works harder than everyone else and he demands high standards of himself.
“I think he can see what this club will eventually become … he sees the possibility of what may be.”
Matt Rowell in action during Gold Coast’s loss to GWS in round 15, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
Hardwick was fined $2000 by the AFL earlier in the week for an obscene gesture filmed on Sunday during the dying stages of the Suns’ loss to Greater Western Sydney, and broadcast by Fox Footy on AFL 360 on Monday evening.
Gold Coast’s coach took responsibility, saying he would pay the fine himself.
“I’ve got to be better than that, I understand that. Fox, to their credit, have been outstanding … and will make a donation to our charity partner, RizeUp.
“I’ve got to understand I’m always on camera.
