The Gold Coast SUNS have selected Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Matt Rowell with the first overall selection in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft.
Rowell has pieced together one of the most consistent under-18 seasons in recent times, earning his second All-Australian selection after averaging 24.8 disposals, 5.2 clearances and six tackles in the 2019 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
WATCH: Rowell keen to get started
A playmaker with great vision and game sense, he has been an ultra-consistent performer in his underaged career which includes best-on-ground honours in the 2018 NAB League Grand Final and AFL Futures match on AFL Grand Final day last year.
At 178cm, Rowell is a small midfielder who is a massive accumulator of the ball using his relentless attack, clean hands and courage to win possession.
Already known for his ability with ball in hand, Rowell also impressed with his athleticism at the NAB AFL Draft Combine.
He was in the top performers for the endurance tests (level 21.3 in the Yo-Yo and 6:17 minutes for the 2km time trial) and he ran 3.05 seconds in the 20-metre sprint.
Rowell is AFL-ready and will add to an already talented group of young stars on the Gold Coast.
CLUB
Oakleigh Chargers
JUNIOR CLUB
Canterbury Cobras
SCHOOL
Carey Grammar
DATE OF BIRTH
1st July 2001
HEIGHT
178cm
WEIGHT
74kg
POSITION
Midfielder
