Former Darwin Buffaloes star Mal Rosas Jr: Gold Coast Suns coaches and teammates have helped me become more confident in ability

EXCLUSIVE: Suns small forward Mal Rosas Jr first believed he could play in the AFL after making his NEAFL debut for NT Thunder back in 2018. That started his meteoric rise as a footballer. Not bad for someone who admits he’s struggled for confidence.

Former Darwin Buffaloes and current Gold Coast star Mal Rosas Jr during the unveiling of the Suns’ 2021 Indigenous AFL guernsey at Tallebudgera Creek on May 14. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

SUNS small forward Mal Rosas Jr first believed he could play in the AFL after making his NEAFL debut for NT Thunder back in 2018.

“(Former AFL Academy manager) Luke Power came up to watch us, and he told our senior coach at the time that he was happy with my game,” Rosas told the NT News when recalling his maiden NEAFL game against Redland.

“I then went on to play in the (NAB AFL All Stars) Futures Game as the curtain-raiser for the AFL grand final that year.

“And then I played for the AFL National Allies (in 2019).”

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The star Darwin Buffaloes product was then a pre-draft Academy selection prior to that year’s AFL Draft.

And when he made his Suns debut against Brisbane Lions on May 15 it capped a meteoric rise for livewire, who turns 20 next month.

Not bad for someone who recently revealed he has struggled with confidence over the years.

“I wasn’t the most confident person, and I’m still building that part (of my mentality),” Rosas Jr said.

“(Suns ruckman) Matthew Conroy has really helped me there, and kept me on a good path.

“I miss my family and coming down here has been a big change.”

Rosas Jr and his teammates also received a harsh reminder about the rigours of AFL football against the Lions, the Suns losing by 73 points, Rosas finishing with six disposals.

“I learnt more about being accountable to your teammates after that game, and a lot of people said ‘not every game will end up like that’,” he said.

Suns youngster and former Buffaloes star Mal Rosas Jr warms up before the round 10 AFL match between Geelong and Gold Coast at GMHBA Stadium on May 22. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The Suns know the limitless potential Rosas Jr possesses from his time at Buffaloes.

“They’re (Buffaloes) a really good family club where everyone is close,” he said.

“I first came to the Suns Academy when I was pretty thin, but I’ve built up myself physically and my tackling pressure has improved.

“Cameron Stokes was a great influence on me at Buffs with his tackling.”

Rosas Jr said it would mean a lot to get another AFL game against Hawthorn back where it all began for him – at TIO Stadium as part of the second Sir Doug Nicholls Round on Saturday night.

“I’d love to play. (Darwin) is where I grew up playing. I’m pretty excited about coming back up,” he said.