Suns stirred, but not shaken, by string of losses

Gold Coast's faith hasn't been shaken by a string of losses to fellow finals contenders, prime mover Matt Rowell says.

The Suns host Melbourne on Saturday having slipped to ninth spot on the AFL ladder after three consecutive defeats.

Gold Coast fell to GWS by seven points last weekend after losing to Geelong (24 points) and Fremantle (11).

"We have had a few losses in previous weeks," Rowell told reporters on Friday.

"But I feel like we have still been playing our way and playing good footy, so we're really keen to put that into a good result.

"There have been some really good signs from the first half of the year, the way we're progressing as a team.

"I'm really excited for what we can do in the back half and really push hard for finals."

He said being among the Suns' first finals campaign was a "big driving factor" behind his decision to remain at the club.

The star on-baller rejected cashed-up overtures from several Melbourne clubs including Collingwood and signed a two-year contract extension to remain at Gold Coast until the end of 2027.

"I really want to get success here at this footy club and play finals," Rowell said.

"I really love playing with this group of boys, and I'm really excited by what the future holds here.

"Whenever you're out of contract, you just think through things, and I wanted to take my time.

"But I'm really happy with the decision."

The 24-year-old is a key factor in the Suns' push towards a maiden finals appearance - while one win outside the top eight, they have at least one game in hand on all the pacesetters.

Gold Coast have replaced Nick Holman with Alex Sexton for the clash against the Demons, who are struggling in 14th spot with only five wins.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin responded to his club's plight by axing three players - premiership backman Jake Lever, young forward Jacob van Rooyen and Caleb Windsor.

Goodwin recalled a trio of young talent in Matt Jefferson, Koltyn Tholstrup and Harry Sharp.