Experienced ruckman Jarrod Witts believes Gold Coast's strong early-season form can play a role in convincing Matt Rowell to commit his future to the AFL club.
Out of contract and in demand, Rowell has sent his stocks soaring with a sizzling start to the year as Victorian clubs circle the superstar midfielder.
Rowell is second-favourite for the Brownlow Medal - behind Collingwood's Nick Daicos - after a best-afield display in the unbeaten Suns' 58-point thrashing of Melbourne in round three.
The 23-year-old finished with 36 disposals, 13 clearances, seven tackles and one goal, and caught the eye with his ability to burst away from congestion.
"He's that good, he's one of the great teammates to play with," Witts told AAP.
He's fierce, he's unrelenting and he's going to give it everything every time.
"He's been chipping away and building consistency this year."
After consecutive away wins, Gold Coast can match their best start to a season if they beat Adelaide at People First Stadium on Saturday.
It would be another step towards a maiden finals appearance and possibly retaining Rowell's services as he seeks to satisfy a craving to be part of a successful team.
Rowell reportedly met with the Western Bulldogs, Essendon, Collingwood and Geelong in the off-season as a host of clubs weigh up moves for the 2019 No.1 draft pick.
Witts is adamant the Suns' hot start and push for a top-eight finish can play a part in keeping Rowell in Queensland.
"Definitely. Matt's really invested in the footy club," the former Gold Coast captain said.
"He's in the leadership group at the moment and he's taken some big steps in that regard.
"He's taken control of a lot more things (away from the field) and that's feeding into his football.
"He's extremely bought into what we're trying to do."
Witts described the victory over Melbourne as the best away win in his nine seasons with Gold Coast, but said it was crucial to back it up in a tough test against in-form Adelaide.
"It's good to challenge ourselves against the best teams," Witts said.
"That's what we want and we'll be ready for them.
"They're going really well so we'll have to be on our game again."
