First David Swallow, now gun ruckman Jarrod Witts.
The Suns finally appear to be bucking the trend of their big name players wanting out of the club with Wednesday’s announcement that they have secured the big man on a five-year deal.
Midfielder and potential captain Swallow also signed a five-year extension in November.
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Co-captains Tom Lynch and Steven May left the club in the recent trade period, while Aaron Hall, Kade Koladjashnij and Jack Scrimshaw also found new homes in the latest batch of departures.
The Suns have been bullish in saying that they have now put together a list of players that want to be there, with Witts’ long-term deal the latest evidence.
“There were no hesitations at all in re-signing, as soon as I moved up to the Gold Coast, I knew I loved the club and I can see what we are all working towards,” Witts told goldcoastfc.com.au.
“We’ve got a lot of new faces this year, both on and off field, but everyone has really come together over the last few months.
“We’ve all put in a huge amount of work to start the pre-season and I’m looking forward to continuing that momentum as we get closer to round one.
“There has been a significant amount of change at the club in recent times and the boys have got full confidence in the program that the club has put in place, as a supporter I’d be really excited.”
Originally from New South Wales, Witts, 26, has played 80 AFL games, 40 of those since moving from Collingwood ahead of the 2017 season.
Witts has developed into one of the competition’s most consistent ruckman since moving to the Suns.