AFL Draft: Best mates Noah Anderson and Matthew Rowell are ready for Gold Coast move
For months Noah Anderson has been aware of Gold Coast’s interest in him and best mate Matthew Rowell and opens up on their likely move to the Sunshine State.
Draft news
Don't miss out on the headlines from Draft news. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Having conquered their Year 12 studies at Carey Grammar, best mates Noah Anderson and Matthew Rowell are ready to conquer a new challenge as they prepare for life in the AFL.
The pair are expected to be selected by Gold Coast Suns with the first two selections of Wednesday night’s AFL national draft, continuing their football journey side by side.
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 >
The pair have not only been classmates and played alongside each other with Carey Grammar but have also come through the Oakleigh Chargers program together, played junior football with and against each other, and even won a basketball championship on the same team.
While their mates are living it up at schoolies celebrations in Byron Bay, Anderson and Rowell have been patiently awaiting the draft, which they will attend with their families at Marvel Stadium.
“There hasn’t been any sleepless nights. I’m more just really excited,” Anderson said.
“It’s been a long time coming and this has always just been the end destination. There’s been so many things ahead of it that you have to focus on, but now it’s the next actual thing to tick off.
“All my mates are up in Byron and having a good time, but I’ve been texting them and keeping in touch. I’m sure they’re having fun.”
Anderson and Rowell, who are midfielders with different strengths, have known they have been in the Suns’ sights for some time and are excited for what the future holds if drafted to the club.
“If it is to fall that way then I’d be so excited,” Anderson said.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things from people about the Suns.
“They’ve got a really exciting young list and it looks like they’re heading in the right direction.
“So if it is to fall that way then I’d be so excited to get up there and get started.”
READ MORE:
Gary Buckenara’s top 50 draft prospects
McCartney: The traits that lead to draft success
Blues zero in on Josh Kelly clone
However, Anderson said the pair had not got too carried away looking for property around Surfers Paradise just yet.
“We haven’t got that far but maybe if things pan out that way we’ll have to look into it,” he said.
“But we’ve still got to get there first.”