Matt Rowell. Picture: goldcoastfc.com.au
Generational talent Matt Rowell was subbed out of the Suns’ clash against West Coast, upon return from his season ending dislocated shoulder.
During the first quarter, Rowell was sidelined with an injury to his left knee after a heavy tackle from West Coast’s Zac Langdon.
Gold Coast activated the new medical substitute rule at the beginning of the second quarter with Nick Holman replacing the star midfielder.
Matt Rowell will spend another period on the sidelines after only just returning from a season-ending dislocated shoulder sustained in a nasty tackle from Geelong’s Brandon Parfitt.
Suns’ coach Stuart Dew hopes for the best as the young star is set to be on the sidelines once again.
“Obviously it’s a knee injury, it’s gonna keep him out for some time. We don’t think it’s season ending at this stage,” he said.
“We’re clearly shattered for the lad, we want to see the best players playing. He’s one of our best. He’s done so much work.
“We’ll wrap our arms around him and reload and go again.
“We’re hopeful for best case scenario.
“He’s gonna get through this, it’s not ideal for him clearly, because he loves the game more than anyone we’ve ever witnessed.
Dew revealed it looked like a lower grade knee injury, such as a PCL. However, scans will have to confirm this in the next few days.
This did not dull the Suns as they continued to bring the heat to West Coast’s star studded list.
Although the Eagles won by 25 points, the visitors still put up a tremendous fight despite being a star down. It was an arm wrestle all day until West Coast broke the game open in the final quarter.
In Rowell’s absence, midfielders Noah Anderson and Touk Miller stood up, competing well against the more experienced trio of Tim Kelly, Dom Sheed and Jack Redden. David Swallow competed exceptionally with 29 disposals and a goal.
Defenders Jack Bowes, Oleg Markov and Charlie Ballard accumulated 40 marks, while up the other end, Ben King kicked three goals.
The Suns easily could’ve been deterred by the devastating injury to their teammate but Dew commended their hunger and fight.
“Our lads are pretty tight and they no doubt would’ve had one eye on Rowelly [Rowell], but they also really professional,” he said.
Seeing the prodigious midfielder go down, rattled the footy world, with many sending their best wishes and eagerly awaiting his eventual return. West Coast coach Adam Simpson, is no exception.
“Hopefully it’s not too long term. I think every one admires him for what he does off the field, as well as on. So hopefully it’s a speedy recovery,” he said.
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