Co-captain Jarrod Witts has signed a two-year contract extension with the Gold Coast Suns.
The ruckman joined the Suns in 2017 after a four-year stint at Collingwood. He has been captain of the Suns since 2018 and will now remain with the club until the end of 2026 with his new contract.
The 31-year-old suffered an ACL injury in 2021 which could have been career-ending due to his age. Since returning in 2022 he has been playing at a consistently high level, earning an All-Australian nomination and playing 22 games in 2022 and 21 games in 2023.
Witts is set to break the record for the most games as the Suns' captain later this season, which is currently held by Gary Ablett Jnr.
The Gold Coast ruckman said he's very pleased to have secured at least another two seasons at the Suns.
“I love this club and I've made some incredible memories with the great people here at the SUNS,” Witts said in a club statement.
“Looking ahead, I've got great belief in the people within our footy club and I see the drive to improve constantly.
“We're all incredibly motivated to earn on-field success. I want to play in finals in front of our supporters and challenge for it all.”
Witts has played 127 games for the Suns and in 2019 was the Club Champion. As the Suns undergo a new chapter with coach Damien Hardwick, it's hoped Witts will be able to help his side reach their first final series within the next few years.
"Jarrod has played an integral role throughout the last eight years at the Gold Coast SUNS, both on and off the field, having served in seven of those seasons as captain," Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Player Talent & Strategy Craig Cameron said.
"We're thrilled to have finalised an extension that will see him remain at the club for a further two seasons."
The Suns head to Ballarat this week to face the Western Bulldogs as they look to keep their unbeaten start to the 2024 season alive.