AFL news wrap: Matt Rowell set to see physio on broken finger, Hawks prepare to reach 'top notch' against Swans
Matt Rowell (pictured) will need to be cleared by a specialist before he is able to get his 2026 campaign underway. (Getty Images: Chris Hyde)
In short:
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick insists the timeline on Matt Rowell's return from injury has not changed despite an impending specialist consultation.
Rowell was initially slated to return for the round four clash against Melbourne on April 5, but could see his return date pushed back.
Elsewhere, Hawthorn is looking to go "up to top notch" as it faces a red-hot Sydney side in round two.
Matt Rowell's likely return from a broken finger for a red-hot Gold Coast side could be pushed back after he sees a specialist.
The reigning Brownlow medallist suffered the injury in last month's State of Origin and, after having surgery, was hopeful of a return in round four against Melbourne on April 5.
He will now consult a specialist this week.
"Our timeline hasn't changed with that," coach Damien Hardwick said on Thursday.
"We will reassess when we get past the bye … then we will make a firmer adjustment about when he's going to make his way back.
"With an injury such as that, it depends on healing."
The impact of Rowell's absence has been offset by the brilliant form of star recruit Christian Petracca (pictured). (Getty Images/AFL Photos: Matt Roberts)
Rowell's absence hasn't hurt the Suns, who have dominated both Geelong and West Coast in comfortable wins to begin the season.
Champion midfielder Christian Petracca has flourished in his fresh start after a move from Melbourne, but Hardwick is still itching to add Rowell to the mix.
"We miss him. You can't replace a Matt Rowell. His toughness around the contest is just something that is irreplaceable," he said.
"There is a reason this guy is one of the best, if not the best player in the AFL.
"He does more than anyone else. A lot of people could learn a lot of things, including our players, off him."
Hawks primed to keep 'ball rolling' against red-hot Swans
Hawthorn is coming off an impressive win over Essendon last week. (AAP: Joel Carrett)
After ominously kickstarting their AFL campaign, Hawthorn are ready to kick up another level to nullify Sydney's weapons, according to midfielder Conor Nash.
The Hawks had plenty of expectations heading into 2026 after reaching the preliminary final last year.
After delivering a lacklustre opening-round loss to GWS, the heat was on.
But Nash hailed the Hawks' character after an ominous thumping of Essendon, and he believes it can prove a platform for a strong opening chunk of the year.
"That's the kind of kick-start you need for your season," Nash told AAP after the win over Essendon.
"We've got the ball rolling. We looked like us again there. So pretty happy.
"We know it's just one week, quick turnaround, and we've got a huge test now against Sydney."
Red-hot Sydney, who comfortably won their first two games against Carlton and Brisbane, are a daunting prospect in Thursday night's clash with the Hawks at the MCG.
"They've just got weapons and threats everywhere — and particularly in midfield, that's where they've got heavy reliance, heavy dominance," Nash said.
"We're gonna have to bring our A--game.
"It's gonna have to be up to top notch. We know it'll go to another level again.
"But we front up every week, and we're looking forward to it."
The Hawks' midfield of Jai Newcombe, Nash, Josh Ward and Cam Mackenzie got the job done in the clinches against Essendon.
But Sydney — albeit without stars Errol Gulden (shoulder) and Isaac Heeney (hamstring) — still has the likes of Chad Warner, Justin McInerney and James Rowbottom to contend with.
"They've got threats everywhere. We'll have to have a plan for those boys," Nash said.
"The biggest part will be getting it done together as a group.
"That's the beauty of our midfield. We try to spread the load. It's a real workmanlike midfield."
AAP