Malcolm Rosas Jr rewarded for VFL form with Gold Coast Suns AFL debut

Northern Territory product and former Darwin Buffalo Malcolm Rosas Jr will make his AFL debut for the Gold Coast Suns this weekend against the Brisbane Lions in the QClash

Gold Coast Suns player Malcolm Rosas Jr to make AFL debut. Picture: AFL Photos.

Northern Territory product and former Darwin Buffalo Malcolm Rosas Jr will make his AFL debut for the Gold Coast Suns this weekend against the Brisbane Lions.

Strong performances throughout the pre-season and across the first three rounds of the 2021 VFL season has seen the small forward rewarded with a berth in the AFL side.

MORE NT SPORT STORIES

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

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

Rosas Jr was the first played drafted to the Suns after the Darwin region was added to the clubs academy program in 2019, selected as an academy selection prior to the 2019 NAB AFL Draft.

The former Darwin Buffalo was ecstatic to be named in the squad and get the chance to live out his dream of playing at the highest level.

“It’s pretty exciting, absolutely stoked to be representing this club,” Rosas Jr said.

“It’s a dream, I’ve always wanted to play footy at the highest level and I can’t wait to get out there in the QClash.

“Keep chasing your dreams, keep playing footy as much as you can because you never know where you can get to.”

Rosas Jr played for the Darwin Buffaloes in the NTFL and progressed through the NT Thunder Academy.

He was also selected as part of the NAB AFL All Stars ‘Future’ match in 2018 and AFL National Allies in 2019.

The 19-year-old averages 13 disposals and five tackles across the first three games of the VFL season, with a return of two goals from that period.

“Working with the coaches I focussed on bringing my assets to the table, my speed, being electric and bringing the energy to the team,” Rosas Jr said.

“I worked on my pressure a lot over the pre-season and I just want to bring that consistently each week.”

AFLNT talent manager Simon Hargrave was excited to see a Darwin born and bred player on the big stage.

“It’s awesome to see such great Territory players progress through the Cazaly’s NT Thunder Academy, onto the SUNS list and debut at the highest level,” Hargrave said.

“The Territory has a lot of talent and to see Mally’s reward for effort being recognised is wonderful and I know he will continue to be an amazing role model for aspiring NT footy players.”