Gold Coast eyeing Victorian best mates Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson in package deal

Gold Coast has struggled with player retention in recent times but if it successfully lobbies to the AFL Commission for a priority pick, it would be the first step in a bold draft move.

Matthew Rowell runs the ball during the U18 national championships. Pic: Getty Images

Victorian best mates and highly-touted draft prospects Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson could be Gold Coast-bound in a package deal if the Suns are granted a priority pick by the AFL Commission.

The Herald Sun understands the pair are open to being drafted to Gold Coast together, in a move that would boost the Suns’ chances of retaining them beyond the initial two-year contracts granted to draftees.

Rowell is widely expected to be the No.1 draft pick this year, the inside midfielder having 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 190cm midfielder with strong running ability who can kick goals.

Matthew Rowell is a tough inside midfielder and in the mix to be the No.1 draft pick. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Rowell and Anderson played junior football and basketball together, attend school together at Carey Grammar and have played NAB League with Oakleigh Chargers together as well as both representing Vic Metro in the AFL under-18 national championships.

Anderson spoke to the Herald Sun earlier this month about his friendship with Rowell, saying “I’m very grateful that I’ve had a good mate to share all the memories with”.

Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Jy Bond said it would “make sense” for an interstate club to draft the pair together.

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“If a club could get the two of them, you couldn’t go wrong,” Bond said.

“If I was the Gold Coast I’d be trying to get the two of them.

“They’ve grown up together, they’ve played school footy together, they play Vic Metro together, they’ve played Chargers together. So in terms of interstate clubs retention-wise, it would be a smart move.”

AFL draft hopeful Noah Anderson is a strong-running midfielder who can kick goals. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Suns chairman Tony Cochrane confirmed this month the club would apply for a priority pick at an AFL Commission meeting early next month, which could see the Suns land the first two picks in the draft if they finish last on the ladder.

Gold Coast currently sits two games behind 17th placed Melbourne.

Interstate clubs have increasingly looked to draft friends together in recent years.

Brisbane drafted Ballarat best mates Jarrod Berry and Hugh McCluggage in the 2016 national draft, while Gold Coast drafted Adelaide schoolmates and long-time junior teammates Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine together last year.

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