Dimma's double-bird as Rowell signs two-year extension

Damien Hardwick was fined for flipping the bird during Gold Coast’s loss to GWS on the weekend.

The Suns coach copped a $2000 sanction from the AFL for his middle finger salute over a missed call in the dying stages of their defeat to the Giants on Sunday.

Hardwick insists he will pay the fine but Fox Footy - who broadcast Dimma’s gaffe - will donate some cash to Gold Coast’s charity partner RizeUp.

Despite his brush with the league’s law, Hardwick was in a jovial mood in his press conference ahead of this weekend’s clash with Melbourne, so much so that he got his digits out when discussing Matt Rowell’s two-year deal.

In keeping the theme of flipping the bird, Hardwick held up two fingers when asked about Rowell’s new contract, before quickly switching his hand to more of a peace sign while dropping a cheeky profanity.

It was all in good fun on a momentous day for Gold Coast.

The Suns earlier in the day confirmed that 23-year-old midfielder Rowell had signed a two-year deal keeping him with the club until at least 2027.

Rowell had been heavily courted by the likes of Collingwood, Geelong, the Western Bulldogs and Essendon, but has turned his back on rival interest to commit to the Suns who drafted him with Pick 1 in 2019.

“I love this club and the opportunities I have had to develop as a person and player on the Gold Coast,” Rowell said.

“There’s a real hunger for success from everyone at the club. We’re not shying away from the fact we want to play finals and win premierships and that’s something I’m excited to be part of.

“We are building something special. We want to win and make the Gold Coast community proud, and I’m looking forward to playing my role in achieving that in the years to come.”

Rowell is averaging a career-high 25.2 disposals and 7.7 clearances as well as 8.2 tackles in 2025.

He has played 98 AFL games to date. His 100th is expected to take place against Essendon at Marvel Stadium in Round 17.

The Suns host the Demons at People First Stadium on Saturday.