Gold Coast Suns new leader Wil Powell reveals growth from slur, as Matt Rowell declares intent for future contract
Wil Powell vowed to redeem himself when he was handed a five-match ban by the AFL for issuing a homophobic slur towards a Brisbane Lions player last year.
The 26-year-old pledged to let his actions do the talking and ensure his Gold Coast teammates knew he was a man they could rely on in their quest for a maiden finals berth.
Whatever he has done clearly had an impact, with the Suns playing group voting him into the club’s leadership circle – alongside Matt Rowell, Ben King, vice-captains Touk Miller and Sam Collins and sole skipper Noah Anderson.
Powell was suspended for directing a homophobic slur at a Brisbane Lion in May, but has sought to redeem himself through his actions and has been elevated to the Suns’ leadership. Credit: Getty Images
Speaking at Marymount College during the Suns’ Community Camps program, Powell declared he was ready to shoulder the responsibility that came with being one of the faces of the club.
He was adamant he would enter the 2025 season a more accomplished player and person after his period of growth and reflection – one determined to inspire the next generation of Suns to success.
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“I went through my education, and I’ve really bought into the communities I affected. I’m just trying to teach the younger boys, and the boys around the club, wrong is wrong and right is right,” Powell said.
“What I went through last year and the suspension, I’ve learnt from that and become a better person. I have a better idea of how to lead and how to deal with those situations as well.
“It’s about building that all-inclusive system and club. I think I’m at an age now where blokes look up to me and the way I train and play is the way blokes want to train and play as well.
