Gold Coast SUNS midfielder Matt Rowell has made history on Saturday night, named as the 2025 Gold Coast Athlete of the Year.
Rowell took home the highest individual honour presented at the Gold Coast Sports Awards on Saturday night at The Star Gold Coast.
The award recognises an athlete who has delivered an exceptional performance while representing the Gold Coast with distinction at the elite level on a national or international stage.
The 24-year-old had the finest year of his young career in 2025, playing a leading role in the SUNS’ charge to its first AFL Finals series before becoming the club’s second Brownlow Medal as well as winning his first SUNS Club Champion and All-Australian blazer.
Rowell is the first athlete from a team sport to be named Gold Coast Athlete of the Year in 56 years.
Previous winners of the award include esteemed sporting figures such as Mick Fanning, Adam Scott, Stephanie Gilmore, Emma McKeon, Kaylee McKewon, Sally Pearson, Ali Day and Grant Hackett.
Gold Coast SUNS CEO Mark Evans congratulated Rowell following the announcement.
“On behalf of everyone at the Gold Coast SUNS, we would like to congratulate Matt on being named as Gold Coast Athlete of the Year,” Evans said.
“This award is incredible acknowledgement for the contribution Matt has made to our club and the Gold Coast, not only in 2025, but throughout his time at the Gold Coast SUNS.
“We’re incredibly proud of Matt and I know we’re all looking forward to seeing him back in action in SUNS colours before too long.”
