Looking for a first flag since 1993, the Goannas' hopes were cut short when the finals series was abandoned after they won 13 of their 15 games.

The chance to be part of club folklore was always going to be too great a lure for Rowe to ignore, who will lead the club for a fourth season.

"From an emotional standpoint it's been an incredibly easy decision for a whole heap of reasons," he said.

"First and foremost I'm really enjoying being part of the club. It's an incredibly vibrant, well run and enjoyable place to be at the moment.

"That flows into my coaching and I've developed a special bond with the playing group over the last three years.

"No doubt this season just gone was my most enjoyable as a senior coach. When we didn't get a chance to finish the season, it left a massive feeling of unfinished business and straight away you just want some closure, and the opportunity to try and finish what the current group started a few years ago."

MCUE has re-signed the vast majority of their playing squad for next season, including Canberra duo Nick Collins and Dom Bunyan.

Rowe said the pact made by the players to stick together was also a major reason behind sticking around.

"That was a massive part of the decision. I really do love the club and I definitely see them as my home base among all my footy travels," he said.

"The determination to try and achieve the ultimate success with the current playing group, not just any old playing group, was really important.

"When the players started re-signing with a minimum of fuss and weren't considering other offers (it was great to see).

"When they said they're all in, the club's in a great position and they want to be a part of it, I basically followed in with that."

IN OTHER NEWS

With a wedding on the horizon in March, Rowe wanted to ensure he had the time to do the job justice.

"The time delay was more so figuring out what my life looked like in 2022," he said.

"I wanted to be respectful to my fiancee (Jess). Going into a fourth year of coaching it does take a lot of time out of your life and I wanted to make sure I had your support.

"It was about making sure I had the time to put into it, and do it properly the way the club deserves."

"I feel really motivated and inspired to tackle next season. While we all need a well earned break, when the time comes around for next season it's one I'm very excited for."

Rowe said the club is likely to lose Canberra-based ruckman Sam De Sousa (work commitments) and centre-half forward George Kendall, who is keen to test himself at a higher level.

"It looks likely we'll lose De Sousa and George Kendall, they were A graders in positions that are among the most important on the ground," Rowe said.

"If they do depart they'll leave holes. We thought we were a tall team this year, but we'd like to add another with a couple going, and a big inside midfielder if we can.

"But other than that I want to back the current group and the development of the young players."

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