Oakleigh Chargers No. 1 draft pick fancy Matthew Rowell best afield in second consecutive NAB League grand final
Matthew Rowell is destined for Gold Coast, confirming himself as the all-but certain No. 1 pick in this year’s draft with a best afield performance in the NAB League grand final. But he might also be going there with his best mate.
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Rival clubs are bracing for the AFL Commission to award Gold Coast the power to draft Oakleigh Chargers best mates Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson.
But the Suns are set to be knocked back by the league on their request for more salary cap space for the ailing Gold Coast list.
The Suns have asked for a far-reaching assistance package that will include a pre-draft priority pick before the No.1 overall pick, with the Chargers pair the two best prospects.
Rowell on Sunday said he would be happy to go to the Gold Coast after another stunning TAC Cup performance in Oakleigh’s Grand Final victory over the Eastern Ranges at Ikon Park.
The tireless Rowell had 15 more disposals than any other player on the ground to finish with 44 touches.
In winning his second straight Grand Final best-afield award he also kicked two goals in the space of four minutes as Oakleigh kicked nine of the last 10 majors to record a 53-point win.
The AFL’s football executive will make a recommendation to the AFL Commission at its meeting on Monday ahead of the Brownlow Medal.
Gold Coast have already made their submission and will not be present, having been told the league will hold off an announcement until next week.
They believe their submission for some extra cap space given retention issues will be knocked back.
And if clubs are eventually allowed to sign first-round draftees for three years on initial deals it will be a competition-wide ruling that would need AFLPA approval.
The sparkling performances of ex-Suns Tom Lynch, Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy on the preliminary final stage can only remind the AFL Commission what the Gold Coast have lost.
Rowell and explosive goalkicking midfielder Anderson would be the perfect onball package to play from Round 1 onwards if selected with picks one and two.
“It’s hard not to think about it I guess, especially now the season is over and where my future will be,” Rowell said.
“Wherever I go I’ll make the most of it and grab the opportunity.
“If it’s Gold Coast, I’ll make the most of it and enjoy (it) because since I was a little kid I’ve always wanted to get drafted.
“I don’t think you can get to a good level just on talent so there’s definitely a lot of hard work I’ve put in to get myself to this stage,” he said.
“I put a lot of time and effort into my skills and I’ve put a lot of work into my fitness as well.
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“There’s a lot of hard work that goes into it and I guess you’ve got to have a bit of talent as well but talent can only get you so far.
“I’ve always been really big on putting in the hard work so it pays off.”
Oakleigh coach Leigh Clarke rated Rowell’s performance as the best grand final showing he had seen from an individual.
“And I’m happy to argue that with anyone,” Clarke said.
“He racked up most of them in the second half, too, when the game needed him.
“He continues to rise to moments, identify moments and be prepared for them.”