RARIN’ TO GO

Healthy Rowell: I can’t wait to get back into it

NEVER has a player’s first four games of AFL so excited the footy-loving masses, but boom Gold Coast Suns fanfavourite Matt Rowell is ready to put it all in the past as he prepares for season 2021.

The No.1 pick of the 2019 AFL Draft set the world on fire at the start of last season, averaging 21.2 disposals and 1.5 goals per game in the first month and banking nine of a possible 12 Brownlow votes before his stellar start was cruelled by a shoulder injury in round five.

But even as the midfielder sat sidelined, he remained the talk of the footy world; pundits and fans alike enamoured by his immediate impact on the Suns’ engine room and happy to speculate on a burgeoning superstar.

Through all the media attention Rowell remained unflappable – solely dedicated to his team, rehabilitation, and getting back to doing what he loves most, playing footy.

“There’s been a bit of talk about my first few games, but it doesn’t mean much now to be honest,” Rowell said.

“It’s all about this season now. I want to show I can do it not just for a few games, but for the whole season.

“Because my season was cut short last year, I want to show people I can play a full year of good, consistent footy. I had a few good games early on, but I want to be known as someone who is a consistent footballer. That’s my aim for this year.”

Coming off the first major injury of his fledgling career, Rowell said a key tenet of his first-year football education was learning how to deal with the highs and lows of rehabilitation.

With his absolute love of footy no secret to anybody, the 19-year-old embraced every opportunity to learn – even the not-so- fun stuff.

“I leant on a lot of people during my injury. I wanted to take in as much feedback as I could, from everybody,” Rowell said.

“It was my first proper injury as well, so it was all a new experience for me. I just wanted to get through it and learn off others who had been through that experience.

“Everyone was really good in that way, helping me out. It was the whole club that got me through and I was very thankful that they got behind me and were so positive.”

Asked if he had any concerns about crashing a pack with his previously injured shoulder, Rowell was quick with a grin and shake of his head.

“No, no way. No there,” he said.

“That’s what I do. I can’t wait to get back into it.” trepidation