Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew says surgery is the most “sensible” option for injured Suns young gun Matt Rowell.
Surgery would likely end Rowell’s season after the No.1 draft pick dislocated his right shoulder against Geelong on Saturday.
“Yeah, the conservative and probably most sensible (option), given his age and position that he plays,” Dew told Fox Footy’s AFL 360.
“He’s going to get in these positions a lot in terms of getting tackled, getting put to the ground.
“It’s really important that we take a breath and do what’s best for Matt, and whatever’s best for Matt is going to be what’s best for our football club, because we clearly see him as a long-term player for our football club.”
Dew and the Suns will take their time before making a final decision on Rowell after the midfielder rocketed into Brownlow Medal contention.
“With a shoulder dislocation, it’s gathering information, taking a breath, talking to Matt, his family and really importantly respected surgeons, whether that’s an option,” Dew said.
“I think it’s really important that we take our time.
"This is a kid who I’m sure everyone’s loved watching, none more so than us, who plays like a man and we want to make sure that we look after him and he has a long career, and we don’t get blinded by the previous four weeks, as hard as that is.”