Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has maintained his sense of humour after retrospectively being issued a fine for a one-finger salute that didn’t go to air at the time.

Appearing on a Fox Sports show on Monday night, Hardwick was asked about some contentious free kicks paid against the Suns during his side’s loss to GWS the previous day.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Damien Hardwick trolls AFL with hilarious two-finger salute.

The broadcast cut to a frustrated Hardwick during the game, but cut away before his rude finger gesture, which hadn’t been seen until Monday night’s show, when it was shown in full.

Watching it back, the Suns coach laughed it off but was later fined $2000 for it.

On Thursday, Hardwick had the perfect opportunity to troll the AFL at his mid-week presser — and he couldn’t help himself.

When asked about the re-signing of superstar midfielder Matt Rowell, whose contract extension was officially announced on Thursday, Hardwick raised the back of two fingers — not one — to simultaneously celebrate Rowell’s two-year deal while facetiously referencing his indiscretion.

“Yes, great news, it’s a two-year deal,” he said with his deliberately orientated fingers in the air, before spinning them around to make the peace sign, pretending as though it was a mistake.

Rowell turned down big offers to return to his home state of Victoria in a major win for Gold Coast.

Talent has drained out of the Suns since their inception in 2011, with Collingwood, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs all meeting with Rowell about a move during this year’s trade period.

But the 24-year-old is staying put alongside his long-time friend and Gold Coast captain Noah Anderson, until at least the end of 2027.

“I love this club and the opportunities I have had to develop as a person and player on the Gold Coast,” Rowell said.

“There’s a real hunger for success from everyone at the club. We’re not shying away from the fact we want to play finals and win premierships, and that’s something I’m excited to be part of.

“We are building something special.

“We want to win and make the Gold Coast community proud, and I’m looking forward to playing my role in achieving that in the years to come.”

After injury hampered the early stages of his career in 2020 and 2021, Rowell has strung together 93 consecutive matches.

He has formed a lethal midfield mix with Anderson and Touk Miller, putting the Suns in contention to play finals this year for the first time.

“Matt has been an important part of our midfield for a number of seasons and it’s fantastic for him to have signed on for a further two seasons,” Suns talent and strategy boss Craig Cameron said.

- With AAP