King: What the hell has happened to Matt Rowell?

The Gold Coast Suns are comfortably the competition’s greatest underachievers in 2026, and there is no greater representation of their struggles than those of their Brownlow Medallist.

Last season, former No.1 pick Matt Rowell achieved the peak of individual awards in the AFL, beating out Nick Daicos and Bailey Smith to win the Brownlow Medal with 39 votes – the second most in the game’s history.

Bringing home the club’s second Brownlow - joining Gary Ablett Jnr’s triumph in 2013 - Rowell and the Suns were on cloud nine at the conclusion of the season, claiming their first ever finals win and entering the new year as the so-called winners of the off-season.

However, now slipping to 14th on the table after 16 games, the Suns are in a world of trouble, and Rowell’s form of last year has rapidly evaporated.

Down two disposals, three tackles, two clearances and two inside 50s on average per game, Rowell’s interrupted pre-season has clearly taken a toll on the superstar.

David King and Kane Cornes couldn’t help but notice the drop during the Suns’ loss to Collingwood on Saturday.

“What the hell has happened to Matt Rowell?” King told SEN Fireball.

“I saw him fumble about four times on the weekend; one bounced out of his hands and went for a goal from the middle of the ground.

“Last year, he had 15 games for the year where he had more than six clearances. This year, he has had three.

“Last year he had 12 games with seven or more score involvements. This year he has had two.

“He has just become a nothing player. He is too good for this.”

Cornes added: “He has become a plodder as well. He looks to be struggling to cover the ground.

“I don’t know. Maybe the new rules have affected him with ball in motion and not as many stoppages clearly has been a factor for him.

“Big watch.”

King: “Fumbles though!”

Cornes: “You can’t be fumbling. You’ve got to be Lachie Neale.

“If you struggle for other weapons athletically, you’ve got to be Lachie Neale. That’s got to be your strength.

“It’s a good point, and one that absolutely needs to be put on watch.”

Rowell and the Suns will be intent on recoiling when they meet the Crows in Adelaide on Saturday night.