James Rowe, son of former Crow Stephen Rowe, heading to state AFL draft combine
The son of an ex-Crows and Norwood player finally gets the nod to test at the SA state AFL draft combine.
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Woodville-West Torrens forward James Rowe is hoping three times is a charm.
Rowe, son of former Adelaide and Norwood player Stephen Rowe, was overlooked in the 2017 and 2018 AFL national and rookie drafts.
But the door is still open for the 19-year-old who dreams of playing at AFL level after receiving an invitation to test in front of scouts at the state draft combine in October.
The 173cm small forward has been a standout with the Eagles this season, booting 33 goals in 15 games.
“It (receiving a call-up) was a nice little surprise,” Rowe, of West Beach, says.
“I wasn’t really expecting it and I haven’t thought too much about it because the (SANFL) season is still on.
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“It’s been two years since I missed out (on AFL selection) and obviously it’s disappointing when you don’t get selected but I’ve been really enjoying my footy at the Eagles.
“I was pretty pumped when I saw my name on the combine list but I just want to finish my year off well with the Eagles.”
Rowe made his league debut with the Eagles against Glenelg in round five last year, racking up 27 possessions and five clearances.
But he only featured in a total of six games last year and kicked two goals.
“Last year I couldn’t really play consistent footy and I just didn’t do enough to cement my spot in the team,” he admits.
“I’ve just been working really hard on my weaknesses and doing all those little things.
“My speed was probably something I had to work on – hitting the scoreboard a bit more and the fitness side of things.”
Rowe never saw Stephen, who played 29 AFL games for Adelaide and 185 for Norwood in the SANFL, in action.
And Rowe reckons his father watches from afar.
“Dad just sort of gives me advice when he thinks I need it but the older I’ve got the more he sort of stays out of it and leaves it up to the coaches at Eagles.”