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

Gold Coast Suns v Hawthorn in Darwin in May will pit Territorian against Territorian with Jeffrey, Rosas and Burgoyne set to feature

Malcolm Rosas climbs high for a pack mark in a Suns intraclub match. Picture: Gold Coast Suns/Media

DARWIN Buffaloes product Malcolm Rosas wants the 2021 AFL season to be his first as a Gold Coast Sun.

Signed by the Suns as a pre-draft selection in 2019, the 19-year-old small forward is desperate to join his Suns teammates in a full-scale premiership match.

“This year I’ve kind of learned to build up my body and get bigger and I’ve put on a bit of size now, so I reckon I’m getting closer,’’ Rosas told the NT News.

“There’s a lot of bigger bodies at the elite level and that means you have to reach a certain level before you get a serious chance at senior level.’’

The 2018-19 NT News Rising Star became the first Territory youngster player drafted to the club when the AFL announced the Darwin region would form part of Gold Coast’s Academy program.

“I hope to play as a small forward, with the opportunity to play high or deep when and where I’m needed,’’ Rosas said.

“As to when, the club will decide on that but I’ve got to keep putting my name forward with the selectors and club coaches by playing some consistent footy.’’

The Suns play Hawthorn at Darwin’s TIO Stadium on May 28 or 29, depending on the latest with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and suitable broadcasting logistics through the Seven Network.

“Obviously that game is a serious goal of mine with my family and friends up here and me wanting very much to be part of it,’’ Rosas said.

“Even the opening round game against West Coast in Round 1 is a focus of mine with that match only four or so weeks away.’’

Rosas can boast a little bit of Darwin and Arnhem Land in his bloodlines.

“My dad’s family is from Darwin and mum’s from Central Arnhem Land, so there is a big Territory connection there,’’ he said.

“I’ve been a Darwin Buffalo all my life, right from the juniors to senior footy at 15 years of age and I’m pretty proud of that.’’