Gold Coast have re-signed injured defender Lachie Weller for a further four AFL seasons, but there’s still no word on in-demand forward Izak Rankine.
Weller, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in June, has put pen to paper on a new deal that ties him to the club until the end of 2026.
The 26-year-old has played 80 games for the Suns since joining from Fremantle at the end of 2017, and his commitment continues an impressive signing spree from Gold Coast.
Touk Miller, Ben King, Jack Lukosius, Connor Budarick, Caleb Graham, Mac Andrew, Elijah Hollands and coach Stuart Dew are others who have extended their contracts this year.
But the Suns are still sweating on the decision of Rankine, online games, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Crows on a monster deal.
Dew insists Gold Coast is the place for Rankine to play his best football, but it remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old re-signs.
Gold Coast gave up pick No.2 to acquire Weller from Fremantle in 2017.
The Dockers used that pick to snare Andrew Brayshaw, who has become a star midfielder of the AFL and is in the running to win this year’s Brownlow medal.
Weller has been a solid contributor at the Suns, and he’s confident of what the future will bring.
“We’ve got a fantastic group of people here, both players and staff, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else to be honest,” Weller said.
“You can feel we’re on the verge of history at the Suns, so I’m hoping I can be a part of that in the years to come.”
Gold Coast (9-11) will receive a major test on Saturday when they host ladder leaders Geelong, before finishing their season against last-placed North Melbourne.
