Gold Coast forward Malcolm Rosas is on the verge of a new contract extension to remain in Queensland, effectively knocking back interest from Essendon, perย AFL.com.au.
The Bombers were linked to the exciting 20-year-old late last month, with the Victorian club eyeing Rosas as a potential boost to their small forward stocks as they looked to reignite their Northern Territory connection.
Now, Rosas is set to sign on the dotted line that will secure his services to the Suns for a further two seasons.
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A graduate of the Suns' Academy, Rosas made his AFL debut in Round 9 againstย Brisbane in the QClash and would go on to feature in two more games, with a third showing as an unused medical sub.
While opportunities were limited for Rosas this season, the crafty forward showed plenty of promise through a string of strong performances for the Suns' reserves in the VFL.
Rosas will join the likes of Sam Collinsย (2025),ย Jy Farrarย (2023),ย Wil Powell (2025) and Jeremy Sharp (2023) in signing new deals in 2021, with the Suns looking to steer themselves towards a maiden finals finish next year.
In the late seventies, the kids were alright. These days, theyโre fantastic. But can the Suns hold onto them all? #AFL https://t.co/VU3UPVA60W
— Zero Hanger (@zerohanger) September 2, 2021
Coach Stuart Dew has been backed in for next season, with his 2022 campaign being the final year of his current contract as the club's senior coach.
The Suns are understood to have their first-round draft pick on offer to keen rival clubs, with Gold Coast holding the third overall selection at the 2021 National Draft.
Dew is also keen to add ready-made talent for next season, with Richmond young gun Callum Coleman-Jones and available St Kilda midfielder Luke Dunstan understood to be in the Suns' sights.
Coleman-Jones looks to be nearing a new deal with the Tigers however, while Dunstan has been told by the Saints he will not be offered a new deal past 2021.
