Gold Coast Suns player Matt Rowell has drawn attention for his unconventional pre-game ritual, which involves crawling on all fours and sniffing each football before a match. The reigning Brownlow medallist was filmed inspecting 13 Sherrin footballs, with commentators likening his actions to that of a trained detection dog.
This behavior is the latest in a series of unusual routines Rowell has employed. He has previously been seen walking barefoot on the playing surface, crouching on the turf, eating grass, and writing in a journal. Earlier this season, he was observed sitting barefoot on a football, a practice he explained as a grounding technique to connect with his surroundings through touch and smell.
Despite these eccentricities, Rowell's on-field performance has remained strong. In the week prior to the QClash against the Brisbane Lions, he recorded 40 disposals and 16 tackles in a victory against GWS. However, his efforts were not enough to secure a win against Brisbane, with the Suns suffering a 42-point defeat.
The Gold Coast Suns have had a disappointing season, failing to live up to pre-season expectations. The team, which includes recruit Christian Petracca, currently sits 14th on the ladder and has fallen out of contention for the AFL's wildcard round. Coach Damien Hardwick acknowledged responsibility for finding a more effective role for Petracca, stating he has not yet identified the best way to utilize the player's strengths.
Rowell has also addressed reports of tension with coach Hardwick, denying any disharmony and emphasizing the open communication within the team as they navigate their challenging season.