Top End’s Will Rowlands drafted by the Gold Coast Suns

A Top End draftee didn’t realise he had been selected by the Gold Coast Suns until he saw the emotion on his dad’s face. Read about his journey to the big league.

Southern Districts junior Will Rowlands didn’t initially think his name had been called, but when he saw the emotion on his dad’s face he realised he had achieved his AFL draft dream.

The 18-year-old midfielder-forward has had an impressive rise playing senior footy for Southern Districts, where he earned a Rising Star nomination, before heading south to Norwood.

Since then, the well-travelled star has featured for NT Thunder, played for the Allies in their title-winning Coates Talent League venture and made his SANFL Reserves debut.

His explosive performances over the past year placed him well for draft selection, and despite missing the main draw he was picked up by the Gold Coast Suns in the Rookie Draft.

“It felt like a dream come true, it was unlike anything I had felt before, it was a surreal moment,” Rowlands said.

“I didn’t actually think my name had been called out when it first did, I thought it was someone else’s name and then I turned to my Dad who was bawling his eyes out and I knew.

Will Rowlands has been picked up by the Gold Coast Suns in the 2023 AFL Rookie Draft. Picture: SANFL/Cory Sutton

“It was just a quieter moment getting picked up in the rookie, I had a fair few mates and family members there the night before for the actual draft.

“But everyone else was watching on their own devices for the rookie, so I got a few calls straight after I got called out.”

Rowlands becomes the latest in a growing group of Territorians to be drafted to the Suns, including Joel Jeffrey, Malcolm Rosas, Sandy Brock and Lloyd Johnston.

And it’s the prospect of breaking into the main squad and potentially playing in the Suns’ first finals campaign or running out at TIO Stadium which has him most excited.

“Whatever it takes to be a part of getting out there and being able to play a role I’m happy to do,” he said.

“I can’t wait to start and play a role in the VFL or in the big league, and I’ll try my absolute best to try and help them win their first flag in the AFL.

“It’s a dream come true if I get the chance to put on the Gold Coast colours on the big stage, but for now it’s about hitting the little goals and getting stuck amongst it with the boys.

“After getting overlooked they told me to prove everyone wrong, that I should have been picked and to put my head down and bum up and show everyone what I can do.”

Southern Districts young gun Will Rowlands, pictured representing the Allies.. Picture: Sue McKay/AFL Photos

Key figures in his rise included his under-18s coaches Allister Young from Southern Districts and Alex Newell at Norwood, while Districts leaders Dean Staunton and Michael Bowden were also influential.

Meanwhile, it was another major moment for Rowlands when long-time club mate Patrick Snell was picked up by the Sydney Swans.

“It was another surreal moment to hear his name and to have one of your close mates for as long as I can remember live out his dream,” he said.

“Allister helped me a lot in juniors and helped me make the push to seniors.

“Now I’m looking forward to getting around the boys at Suns, those big names like Brandon Ellis and Sam Collins and all the rest who you see on the TV.”