Gold Coast SUNS midfielder Charlie Rowbottom has claimed a maiden AFLW All-Australian selection following a superb 2023 campaign.

Rowbottom has been named on the interchange in the 21-player team which was announced at the W Awards in Melbourne on Monday night.

The selection is a first for the 20-year-old who has been a member of the extended All-Australian squad in each of her three seasons in the competition.

Rowbottom affirmed her spot as one of the AFLW’s finest midfielders in her nine matches in 2023, leading the league for contested possessions (17.3 per game) as well averaging 7.1 clearances (second in the AFLW), 9.7 tackles per game (3rd in the AFLW) and 26.8 disposals (sixth in the AFLW).

“We are incredibly proud of Charlie’s selection as a 2023 AFLW All-Australian,” GC SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago said.

“Charlie has a hunger to be the best, to continue learning and improving and she’s gone from strength-to-strength, both on and off the field this season.

“At just 20 years old, we’re certainly looking forward to seeing her continue to grow and develop for years to come.”