Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Matthew Rowell emerges as potential No.1 pick in 2019 AFL draft
A CAMERON Ling doppleganger has emerged as an early candidate to be the No.1 pick in the 2019 AFL draft after a blistering TAC Cup finals series.
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OAKLEIGH Chargers midfielder Matthew Rowell has emerged as an early candidate as the No.1 pick in the 2019 draft after a blistering TAC Cup finals series.
The Cameron Ling lookalike was best afield in a losing side in the decider against Dandenong Stingrays, backing that performance up with another dominant showing in the under-17s All Star game on AFL grand final day at the MCG.
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The Canterbury Cobras and Boroondara Hawks junior collected 27 disposals and kicked a goal to help Team Bartel to a 42-point win over Team Riewoldt on Saturday.
The bottom-age star was listed in Oakleigh’s best players in each of its three TAC Cup finals, averaging 23 disposals, nine handball receives and seven marks across September.
Cameron Ling? https://t.co/eMtA0hXmRv
— Jess (@hopkins_11) October 1, 2018
Outgoing Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman said praise was warranted on Rowell being the top pick next year.
“He just wins plenty of the ball, he’s got the ability to burst away from stoppages and kick goals,” Notman said.
“He is a terrific little package and I’m really excited about watching him over the next 12 months.
“The talk of being a top five draft pick or even a little bit closer to the top of the draft table at this point in time is very well warranted.
“He just doesn’t do anything wrong.”
The 17-year-old also played two games for Vic Metro this year in the under-18 national championships and was among his side’s top possession winners in both appearances.
Early indicators suggest he will be joined by Noah Anderson, Dylan Williams and Trent Bianco as top prospects out of Warrawee Park in 2019.
Notman listed Rowell’s professionalism and preparation as his best attributes to go with his undeniable on-field talents.
“He’s got that really good ball-winning ability, he kicks both left and right foot, he competes really strongly and he’s clean,” he said.
“I think he ticks all the boxes in everything we’re looking for from our players.
“He just does everything really well.
“I don’t think there are to many flaws in his game.”
Notman will officially finish in his role at Oakleigh on October 12 after accepting the role of Tasmanian football manager, overseeing the revamp of the state’s talent pathway.
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