Gold Coast Suns defender Wil Powell has turned his back on free agency after signing a long-term contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2029.
Despite having a year left on his existing deal, Powell was keen to remain a Sun for the long term.
The news comes shortly after the 24-year-old's partner Bailee gave birth to their son, Theo.
The former Pick 19 from the 2017 AFL Draft could barely contain his excitement and was excited for what the future would hold.
“I'm over the moon,” Powell said.
“It gives you a nice pat on the back for how the club thinks of you. I feel respected at the SUNS and I feel like I'm a leader now for the younger players coming through.
“I feel really comfortable on and off the field, it's such a family-orientated club and it made my decision to sign on the dotted line very easy.
“The extension takes me until I'm 29 years old which is crazy to think about. If they told me that I would be drafted and play until I was 29, and hopefully more, I would have laughed.
“I've worked hard to get here and I've had great support from my family, my partner and especially the club.”
Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Player Talent & Strategy Craig Cameron says securing a long-term extension for Powell was an easy decision.
“Since arriving at the club, Wil has continued to impress both on and off the field, developing into one of the finest defenders in the AFL and being regarded as a young leader among the playing group,” Cameron said.
“He's an important part of our future which is why we're thrilled to have finalised a contract extension that will see him remain on the Gold Coast for many years to come.”
Making his debut in Round 15, 2018, Powell has had to endure a horrid run of injuries that has kept him to 88 matches.
The 24-year-old finished as Club Champion Runner-Up in 2021 having also finished in the Top 10 on two further occasions, despite missing significant periods of football through injury.
Powell has bounced back strongly from two gruesome ankle injuries across 2022 and 2023, limiting him to 30 games in the past two years.
The Suns got their new life under coach Damien Hardwick off to a flier, taking down Richmond to the tune of 39 points.
Powell was instrumental in the Gold Coast's first win of 2024, listed as one of the best players on the ground with 28 touches (11 intercepts), nine marks and six score involvements.