Four Melbourne-based AFL clubs are interested in trading for Gold Coast Suns star Matt Rowell.
Geelong, Collingwood, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs have all made their interest known in the 23-year-old inside midfielder, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
The Cats, led by coach Chris Scott and football boss Andrew Mackie, had a secret meeting with Rowell at an apartment last year, according to Mitch Cleary.
However, the Magpies, Bombers and Bulldogs also want to boost their engine room by trading for Rowell, reports The Age.
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Despite the intense interest in the player, the Suns are believed to be confident that Rowell will stay at the club.
Rowell will not be a free agent when he comes out of contract as he has to have played at least seven seasons with the Suns.
The contested beast finished eighth in the Brownlow Medal last season – polling 25 votes.
Since being drafted with pick one in the 2019 AFL Draft, Rowell has played 85 games after suffering an ACL injury in his debut season.