Matthew Rowell, Noah Anderson say it would be a ‘dream come true’ to be drafted together
The path for best mates and highly-touted draft prospects Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson to be drafted together was paved this week — and the exciting youngsters couldn’t be happier.
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Best mates and highly-touted draft prospects Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson say it would be a “dream come true” to be drafted together to Gold Coast Suns.
Widely expected all year to be chosen with picks one and two in the national draft, the path was paved for the pair to join the Suns on Monday when the AFL announced a Gold Coast rescue package which included a priority pick in this year’s draft.
The move means the Suns now have the first two selections in the draft, with Rowell and Anderson all but certain to be chosen in a bid to improve Gold Coast’s chances of retaining them beyond the initial two-year contracts awarded to draftees.
Stream the full or condensed replay of the 2019 Toyota AFL Grand Final on KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14 day free trial and start streaming instantly >
“We’re still not sure where we’re going to end up, but if we both were to go to the same club it would be pretty exciting,” Rowell told the Herald Sun.
“It would be pretty awesome considering we first played footy against each other back in under-8s and we’ve played with each other for the past few years with school footy and Oakleigh (Chargers) and Vic Metro.
“So to continue to play with each other at an AFL club would be pretty awesome. It would be a dream come true.”
Anderson said the pair had exchanged a few text messages on Monday after hearing news Gold Coast’s priority pick request had been approved.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about Gold Coast as a football club,” Anderson said.
“If that was the case (being drafted to the Suns together) I’m sure we would both be so excited to go up there and get started.”
MORE NEWS:
Brodie Grundy is ready to sign at Collingwood as soon as the club offers him a seven-year deal
West Coast braces for huge trade demand from Geelong after Tim Kelly requests trade
Rowell is an inside midfielder who has been likened to Geelong’s Joel Selwood given his brilliance around stoppages, hardness in the contest and ball-winning ability.
Anderson, the son of two-time Hawthorn premiership player Dean, has been compared to Western Bulldogs young gun Marcus Bontempelli as a 188cm midfielder with strong running ability who can kick goals.
Rowell and Anderson played junior football and basketball together, are in the same physical education class at Carey Grammar, played in a NAB League premiership together with Oakleigh Chargers this year and both represented Vic Metro in the AFL under-18 national championships.
Originally published as Matthew Rowell, Noah Anderson say it would be a ‘dream come true’ to be drafted together
‘It’s about us, not me’: Ken hits back after another prelim failure
For the fourth time as Port coach on Friday night, Ken Hinkley fell at the preliminary final hurdle. He acknowledges the facts – but says the path forward isn’t just about him.
Reluctant assistant to master coach: The making of Chris Scott
Chris Scott has come a long way from a reluctant assistant coach to one of footy’s greatest senior coaches. Those closest to the mastermind behind Geelong’s greatest era reveal the moments which shaped him.