Crossword Genius

Rowed for club in ACT (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

debated

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'rowed' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'club in act' is the wordplay.
'club' becomes 'bat' (as in sporting equipment).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'act' becomes 'deed' (deed is a kind of act).
'bat' placed inside 'deed' is 'DEBATED'.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for debated that I've seen before include "Discussed in public" , "Argued" , "Discussed formally" , "Contemplated" , "Considered" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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