Suns mess could spark trade frenzy for two superstars

Whatever is going on behind the scenes between Christian Petracca and the Gold Coast Suns, the domino effect of relationship breakdown could force two of the biggest names out of the club, according to Shane Crawford.

SEN’s Sam Edmund reports there are growing tensions between the former Demon and the club after a blistering start to the 2026 campaign spiralled into something of a disaster with the club finishing 13th on the ladder.

Now, with all the focus on the 30-year-old and the pending arrival of Scott Pendlebury, Crawford warns that club captain Noah Anderson and Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell could be tempted to move elsewhere when their contracts expire in 12 months time.

“When I look at the Suns – and I was a believer this year – I’m worried,” he told SEN Breakfast. “They have lost their direction.

“They’re bringing in Scott Pendlebury, where are you going to play him? Do you play him at home? It’s a fast deck up there.

“From a leadership point of view, you need it on the field all the time. Does Scott Pendlebury become the player you take interstate? They have had so many issues interstate.

“Then there’s Rowell and Anderson who are out of contract end of next year and there is talk that a lot of clubs are into him (Rowell) and I think Anderson is gettable.

“Captains move, who cares? End of next year they both say ‘we are out of here’ and your midfield is left with Pendles and Petracca.

“I think one of them (Rowell or Anderson) is definitely a chance to leave, Rowell more than Anderson.

“I’m just dropping bombs here, but it’s been the case for a long time that clubs are into Rowell.

“Anderson is starting to question whether or not he belongs there long term; it’s a big watch.

“We want the Suns to be highly competitive and this year was disappointing. They have work to do.”