Former Darwin Buffaloes NTFL star Mal Rosas feeling more at home at AFL’s Gold Coast Suns outfit

WITH one year under his belt at the top level, Territory-born Gold Coast Suns forward Mal Rosas Jr is excited about his and the club’s future.

Territorians Mal Rosas and Joel Jeffrey at Gold Coast Suns training. Picture: AFL Media

WITH one year under his belt at the top level, Territory-born Gold Coast Suns forward Mal Rosas Jr is excited about his and the club’s future.

After a year in the Academy and a year on the senior list, the former Darwin Buffaloes star is noticing significant changes in his game and in the club’s direction.

“My attributes have gotten better and I’m working harder because I want to play and I’m getting better with the structures as well,” Rosas told the NT News.

Malcolm Rosas Jr and Ned Stevens featured in Gold Coast Suns’ VFL practice side

Territory Suns Malcolm Rosas and Joel Jeffrey focusing on league football in the 2021 AFL season

Territory playing numbers at the Gold Coast Suns set to grow in the 2021 AFL season

“What we’re building here is going to be good to be a part of. The story of it’s going to be good as well, it’s a young list, there’s going to be more excitement in the years to come, it’s going to be a good time.”

While he’s acknowledged his own improvement, Rosas knows there is still more to do and has set some impressive goals for the year ahead.

“On field I just want to get a game, that’s the main thing. Everything off field is just to prepare me for that on field goal,” he said.

“I’ve got people to look up to with people like Secca (Alex Sexton) and Benny Ainsworth, I like the way they play.”

And the more time he spends on the Gold Coast, the more former Rosas feels like he’s settling into the Territory’s adopted team.

Former Darwin Buffaloes star Mal Rosas during training with the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: AFL Media

“The Gold Coast worked hard with the Northern Territory. The link is good – we got Joel (Jeffrey) this year through the Academy and Janet (Baird) as well,” Rosas said.

“More and more Territorians are being exposed to the system which is good.”

Away from the club, he’s also found his feet.

“Me and Izak (Rankine) are always together really. Me, him and Jy (Farrar) and big Matt Conroy, it’s good,” Rosas said.

“I moved in with Matthew Conroy so that’s been good. Me and Matthew, we were pre-selected players last year.

“Jarrod Harbrow takes us crabbing and fishing so that’s good, going to the beaches.”

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