Matthew Rowell’s stocks rising after strong Vic Metro showing in AFL under-18 championships
He has red locks like Cameron Ling but plays like a couple of the biggest names in the game. The stocks of AFL draft hopeful Matthew Rowell are through the roof after a stunning national championships.
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He is a stoppage king who has been labelled a mix between Joel Selwood and Michael Voss and Matthew Rowell’s stocks are continuing to rise as a potential No.1 draft pick this year.
The tough onballer was named in the All-Australian side from the AFL under-18 national championships after shining brightly for Vic Metro throughout the tournament.
Rowell averaged 24.8 disposals, 5.3 clearances, six tackles and 133 SuperCoach ranking points across a blistering four games, while also kicking a goal in three of those matches to be the ranked tournament’s highest-rated player by Champion Data.
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“He’s got a little bit of Joel Selwood and a little bit of Michael Voss. Whoever is brilliant around stoppages, that’s who he is,” AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan said of Rowell.
“He’s got those eyes that when in congestion he’s focused on one thing which is the ball and anything that gets in his way is going to be collected as he heads to the ball.
“He’s an elite footy performer. We often use the words potential versus production. He had potential maybe five years ago, now he’s producing all the time.”
A Carlton supporter, Rowell said he was staying focused amid the high praise coming his way, talk of being the No.1 draft pick in November little more than water off a duck’s back.
“There’s still a lot of footy to be played so I don’t look into it that much,” Rowell said.
“I’ve just got to put my best foot forward every week and play to the best of my capabilities.
“I’ve been working on all areas of my game but the fundamentals especially and making sure they stack up well because in the AFL they always say the fundamentals are the most important thing.”
Rowell will return to school football with Carey Grammar before finishing the year with Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League.
Football is his favourite part of school, but he is still doing his best to complete Year 12 studies.
“I don’t love school that much,” Rowell said.
“It’s hard with the balance between footy and school but my teachers are just trying to get me through.”
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