From school mates to top of the AFL draft
Having conquered their Year 12 studies, best mates Noah Anderson and Matthew Rowell are ready to conquer the AFL.
Having conquered their Year 12 studies at Carey Grammar, best mates Noah Anderson and Matthew Rowell are ready to conquer a new challenge as they prepare for life in the AFL.
The pair are expected to be selected by Gold Coast with the first two selections in Wednesday night’s AFL national draft, continuing their football journey side-by-side.
The pair have not only been classmates and played alongside each other with Carey Grammar but have also come through the Oakleigh Chargers program together, played junior football with and against each other and won a basketball championship on the same team.
While their mates have are living it up during schoolies celebrations in Byron Bay, Anderson and Rowell have been patiently awaiting the draft which they will attend with their families at Marvel Stadium tonight.
“There hasn’t been any sleepless nights. I’m more just really excited,” Anderson said.
“It’s been a long time coming and this has always just been the end destination. There’s been so many things ahead of it that you have to focus on but now it’s the next actual thing to tick off. All my mates are up in Byron and having a good time but I’ve been texting them and keeping in touch. I’m sure they’re having fun.”
Anderson and Rowell, who are both talented midfielders with different strengths, have known they have been in the Suns’ sights for some time and are excited for what the future holds if they do end up being drafted to the club.
“If it is to fall that way then I’d be so excited,” Anderson said.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things from people about the Suns. They’ve got a really exciting young list and it looks like they’re heading in the right direction. So if it is to fall that way then I’d be so excited to get up there and get started.”
Anderson said the pair had not got too carried away looking for property around Surfers Paradise just yet, though.
“We haven’t got that far but maybe if things pan out that way we’ll have to look into it,” he said. “But we’ve still got to get there first.”
Greater Western Sydney have their future captain if the draft delivers midfielder Tom Green to the club on Wednesday night.
Eighteen-year-old Green has been likened to Carlton’s Patrick Cripps and every club in the competition has made a pitch for him over the past 12 months.
A deal with the Crows has boosted the Giants’ hopes with a rise to pick four and according to one of Green’s mentors, if GWS prevail they will have a born leader on the books with a competitive nature second to none and a self-awareness unsurpassed.
A product of the Giants Academy, the youngster has built up experience with the club’s NEAFL side and skippered the Allies team.
AFL NSW/ACT Talent and Coaching Program Manager Cameron Bernasconi began coaching Canberra-based Green at Under-14 level and has no doubt this is one draft hopeful destined for the top.
“Tom is the most competitive kid I’ve ever met and has leadership written all over him,” he told The Australian.
“He will do anything in his power to win contested ball. At every level he’s played at he’s just driven to be the best at his craft.”
Green comes from a family with a hugely impressive AFL pedigree. His grandfather is Richmond Hall of Famer Michael Green, a four-time premiership player and team of the century member.
“I’d be stoked (if it was the Giants). The Giants would be amazing because they’ve been so good to me and for me,” Green said. “But, wherever (I end up), I’ve done everything I can and I’m not going to stress about things I can’t control.
“And I know this isn’t the end, it’s just the start.”
Herald Sun
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