Five athletes who were so obsessed with their sport it helped them excel

In honour of Suns young gun Matt Rowell’s bizarre birthday request, we take a look at five athletes who shared similar traits that made them excel. SUBSCRIBE TO SEE THE FULL LIST.

IF there is one thing that epitomises Matthew Rowell’s passion for football more than anything else, it’s his simple birthday request. A Sherrin.

AFL CHAOS: More team heading for Gold Coast: See the updated draw

The Gold Coast Suns young gun is lighting up the AFL and not only the favourite to win the Rising Star, but is also regarded by many as a chance at a Brownlow Medal after just four games.

‘NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE IT’: WHY 2020 COULD BE THE YEAR OF THE RISING SUN

DAY’S TOP SIX SUNS

Suns coach Stuart Dew is on record declaring he hardly needs to mentor Rowell because he is so invested in the game. A nerd, obsessed, fanatical. Whatever you want to call it, the man who turned 19 on Wednesday lives and breathes football.

FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: JUST $1 A WEEK FOR FIRST 12 WEEKS

He is part of a rare breed of athletes whose outlet in life is the sport they do.

Rowell is surrounded by footballs all day at the club but he asked his parents, Louise and David, for a Sherrin.

He collects them, not to show off but to just kick with mates.

Matthew Rowell of the Suns celebrates a goal during the round 4 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Fremantle Dockers at Metricon Stadium on June 27, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

In honour of Rowell’s unique birthday request, we have collated a list of four other athletes with similar personalities and who possessed a drive to compete that made them elite.

SECRET SUNS: Club’s submission to AFL could change 2020

REVEALED: How hubs could deliver top talent to the Suns

SUNS ROAD TRIP AND DETAILS BEHIND INJURIES - THE HEAT ROOM PODCAST

GRANT HACKETT: A 10-time Olympic gold medallist and 17-time world champion of the pool. Hackett had a reputation for training like no other swimmer. He loved pushing well beyond the pain threshold of most athletes, often completing more than just the gruelling swimming set in his program.

Grant Hackett celebrates winning the gold medal in the men's 1500m freestyle at the Sydney International Aquatic Center during the Summer Olympics in Sydney. Dual Olympic swimming champion Grant Hackett announced his retirement Monday after almost a decade of dominance in the 1,500 meters. (AP Photo/David Longstreath, File)

That is saying something considering he was a long-distance swimmer and it’s a big reason why he could swim away from rivals in a 1500m race while they succumbed to the pain felt during races.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION AT THE BULLETIN FACEBOOK SPORTS FORUM

MICHAEL HUSSEY: With a nickname like ‘Mr Cricket’, it’s little wonder why Hussey falls into this category. The former Australan Test batsman had to wait a decade to break into the Australian team and amassed over 15,000 first-class runs before he did.

Mike Hussey (R) of Australia celebrates team mate Michael Clarke's four off the final ball of the innings during the 2nd Final of the VB Series between Australia and Sri Lanka played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on February 12, 2006 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

Hussey loved the game and would often be found talking the intricacies of the game for hours on end with any teammate or staff member who was willing to do the same.

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly

MICHAEL SHELLEY: To succeed in marathon running, you need to love hitting the pavement and this Southport-born champion did just that.

Michael Shelley of Australia crosses the finish line to win the Men's Marathon Final on day eleven of competition on the Gold Coast, Australia, Sunday, April 15, 2018. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

The two-time Commonwealth Games marathon champion (2014, 2018) spent endless hours turning the legs over and thrived on it before announcing his retirement in 2019. One of Australia’s most gritty athletes who also happened to be one of the nicest.

SIGN UP NOW FOR OUR FULL ON FOOTY GOLD COAST NEWSLETTERS

MAT ROGERS: A Gold Coaster who was destined to reach the top level. Rogers had an early idol in father and late Cronulla Sharks legend Steve Rogers and had a football in his hands from the start.

Wallabies RU player Mat Rogers (ball) on his way to scoring a try during Australia v South Africa Tri-Nations game at Testra Stadium at Homebush in Sydney, 05/08/06.

It fostered his passion for the game and not only did he go on to play in the NRL, represent Queensland and Australia, he also went on to play for the NSW Waratahs rugby franchise and for the Australian Wallabies.

EVERYONE CAN PLAY, ANYONE CAN WIN: Tips.com.au