Witts in five-year Suns gig

GOLD Coast have secured a physical and metaphorical pillar in their rebuild, with ruckman Jarrod Witts extending his contract at the AFL club for another five years.

The former Collingwood talent was out of contract at season’s end but, like teammate David Swallow, cut to the chase with a deal locking him in until 2024.

It is a telling show of faith in the aftermath of co-captains Tom Lynch and Steven May moving to Richmond and Melbourne respectively last year.

Witts, who stands at 209cm, has settled into life on the Gold Coast and is on board with second-year coach Stuart Dew’s overhaul.

“I think there’s a sense of full collective buy-in from all parts of the footy club,” he told AFL.com.

“We’ve got a list with no egos, everyone just gets on with the job, there’s zero pushback. I’d love our fans to know that every time they come to a game, they’re going to get a team that hunts hard and has manic pressure.”

Witts (pictured) has blossomed in the 40 games at the Suns since arriving from Collingwood as part of a trade deal in 2016

The 26-year-old said he was thrilled to sign a long-term deal with the club.

“I can’t wait to build on the hard work we’ve all been putting in as a group and continue aiming towards something special here on the Gold Coast,” he said.

Witts said it was easy to commit to the club long term.

“There were no hesitations at all,” he said.

“As soon as I moved up to the Gold Coast, I knew I loved the club and I can see what we are all working towards.”