CHARLIE Dixon has turned away deals from the south to stay with the Gold Coast Suns until the end of 2015.
The Cairns 21-year-old agreed it was confidence-boosting to know that other clubs were interested in his services, but he said a long-term ambition and a love for the Gold Coast meant staying put was the right call.
"If we were to hold up that premiership, it’d be unreal to say I had been with the club from day one," he said.
"I had to weigh up what was best for me, whether I was going to go to somewhere with a chance of winning a premiership sooner. But we showed on the weekend (in their defeat of Carlton) we have a future and I do just love it here; I love the club."
Dixon would not reveal which clubs were seeking him out, although Geelong and Hawthorn have been named. Club officials did confirm more than one Victorian outfit had been chasing him.
"It’s nice to know you’re doing the right thing, but I’ve still got to keep performing now, finish the season well and improve again next year."
The former Redlynch Lion was pivotal in their headline-grabbing win on Saturday afternoon, presenting well to teammates as a big target up front.
The performance was symbolic of his improvement this year since being given a wake-up call by coach Guy McKenna after last season.
"I knew I had to work on a lot of things and get fitter and strong and more professional," he said.
"And I worked hard for it and it shows that the hard work pays off."
Suns’ football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft reinforced that message.
"There is no doubts that Charlie has benefited from the hard work he did over last pre-season," he said.
He is notably fitter and stronger and even though he still recognises he has a long way to go to reach his potential."
Dixon said staying in Queensland and close to Cairns also weighed in on his decision to stay.
"Gold Coast is my home away from home now; I’ve been here four years and just love it," he said.
"The club have been fantastic to me since I came down from Cairns and being an original player with the club makes it that little more special.
"Seeing this club succeed does mean a lot to me."
His 200cm frame has been used in the ruck, forward line and defence this season.
"I’ve been everywhere and it’s a good thing to say you are versatile, but I really want to nail down that ruck-forward role," he said.
Dixon joins teammates David Swallow, Sam Day, Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Brandon Matera, Jeremy Taylor, Luke Russell, Jaeger O’Meara and Alex Sexton who have all extended their contracts with the Suns this season.
"Charlie was one of our first players; he has been through an awful lot with the club. We are really pleased to have Charlie join an impressive list of players who are displaying real commitment to the club," Ashcroft said.
"That gives us great confidence that the players believe in our program and are determined to deliver success for the Gold Coast Football Club and our fans."
Last Modified on 25/09/2012 11:12