Defender adds to contract
The wins keep coming for Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast with silky-skilled defender Wil Powell signing a four-year contract extension on Wednesday.
Powell’s new him to the Suns the end of 2029.
The 24-year-old still had a year to run on his previous contract, but both player and club wasted little time locking in a long-term deal.
Powell proved he will be a valuable asset in Hardwick’s system on Saturday when he amassed a career-high 28 disposals in the 39-point win over Richmond.
The West Australian is one of the most damaging ball users at the club and an underrated interceptor of the footy.
He claimed 11 intercept possessions against the Tigers and looks to have fitted seamlessly into Hardwick’s back six.
“I’m over the moon,” said Powell, who became a father just three weeks ago.
“I feel really comfortable on and off the field, it’s such a family-oriented club, and it made my decision to sign on the dotted line very easy.
“The extension takes me until I’m 29 years old, which is crazy to think about.
“If they told me that I would be drafted and play until I was 29, and hopefully more, I deal will tie until at least would have laughed. I’ve worked hard to get here and I’ve had great support from my family, my partner and especially the club.”
A former club champion runner-up in 2021, Powell’s two most recent seasons have been cruelled by serious ankle injuries.
In 2022, Powell dislocated and fractured his right ankle against Adelaide in round 14.
Last year, against the same opposition, he injured the medial ligaments in his ankle after landing awkwardly in a marking contest.
Powell was arguably in career-best form before his most recent ankle injury and appears to have picked up where he left off, if his stellar showing against Richmond is any indication.
“Since arriving at the club, Wil has continued to impress both on and off the field, developing into one of the finest defenders in the AFL and being regarded as a young leader among the playing group,” Suns list boss Craig Cameron said.
“He’s an important part of our future, which is why we’re thrilled to have finalised a contract extension that will see him remain on the Gold Coast for many years to come.”
Powell was drafted to the Suns with pick No.19 in the 2017 draft and has played 88 games in seven seasons.