Gold Coast’s hopes of making an unlikely push for the top eight have been boosted with young gun Matt Rowell poised to make his AFL return against Fremantle.
The 19-year-old has been sidelined since injuring his knee in round one against West Coast but will be available for selection along with forward Sam Day (knee) and defender Jack Bowes (hamstring), as the Suns head west refusing to give up on an unlikely finals push.
Midfielder Touk Miller said Rowell’s comeback was just the boost the Suns needed as they head into the back half of the season.
“It’s no excuses, all guns blazing,” Miller told AAP.
“Blokes are healthy. Blokes are in good form. The team’s starting to play a really good brand of football.
“It’s literally like we’re just resetting and ready to go for this back half of the year which is super exciting for us.”
Despite having played just six matches in an injury-marred start to his career, Rowell is considered as one of the brightest talents in the competition.
The 2019 No.1 draft pick burst onto the scene last year, storming into unlikely Brownlow Medal contention before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury against Geelong in just his fifth match.
His return against the Eagles lasted half-a-quarter before landing heavily on his left knee in a tackle and limping off.
Having claimed a 37-point win over Hawthorn before last weekend’s bye, the Suns head west to face the Dockers 13th on the ladder, 12 points behind eighth-placed Richmond having played a game less.
While closing the gap to the Tigers and securing a maiden finals appearance would appear a long shot, Miller said he and his teammates were daring to dream.
Securing a win over the injury-ravaged Dockers was a vital step in that ambition.
“It’s a really big opportunity for us to showcase what we can do and put a bit of a stamp on what we’re going to do for the back end of this season,” Miller said.
asd
Guest
About time they stopped the rot there get the players to stay
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
$8 for the rising star still. That answers the question i was going ask of whether he's still a chance.lol.
Rusty Brooks
Roar Rookie
Source: Trust me, bro.
.kraM
Roar Rookie
Voices in your head count as a source? Interesting.
Nico
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I notice afl.com gave St Kilda a special article today about having (less) players out. You poor Vics. :silly:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Play him in a forward pocket easy him into the game!
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Listen if he was to play for Geelong he would have to be 32 & by then he would be 5 years into retirement!
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Good luck Don!
XI
Roar Guru
St Kilda? Interesting
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
What was that
sourcesauce? Whatever it was, you've been on it too long.Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He has already been clear about the pact of all those young players at Gold Coast to work together and create something special. You Vics who keep dreaming about talent coming home, wake up. The West, the north, the east coast, Tassie, SA, Alice are all more inviting places to live. They are building independent adult lives. Freedom from mum and dad usually enriches filial relationships.
The Ghost
Guest
He has no chance of playing a premiership at Gold Coast. My sources tell me he is as good as gone. He will be at large Inner Eastern Melbourne club next year, and it’s not Hawthorn. That’s all I can say at this juncture in time.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Now the suns need to provide protection for Rowell, I’m talking rotate him through the guts for a few minutes at the time but the duties fall to Hugh Greenwood and Weller to provide big shepherds.
XI
Roar Guru
That last phrase must be one of the most asinine when it comes to talking about football. Is there any player who makes it professional who's like "yeah, I'm not really fussed if I win a premiership or not"
okapiman
Roar Rookie
Fan bloody tastic...
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Incorrect fractal pixie - Rowell grew up barracking for Carlton.
Puntroad
Roar Rookie
But he doesn’t have a walking frame.
fractal pixie
Guest
He grew up barracking for the Cats. If he did leave he would go to Geelong. He certainly wouldn’t go to Richmond.
Puntroad
Roar Rookie
I hope this lad has some luck and a long career. He’s a wonderful talent.