Matt Rowell has taken the next step in his evolution into an AFL star and has the intensity to match.
The 21-year-old Gold Coast midfielder has been in sublime form this season and is leading the competition in stoppage clearances and tackles.
Demonstrating genuine game-winning capabilities in 2023, Round 11 saw Rowell play his best game for the season when gathering 29 disposals, 16 clearances and seven inside 50s.
In the last quarter alone, seven of his nine touches were contested while he also had four clearances and a goal.
David King was impressed by his numbers but even more so by Rowell’s ferocious approach to the game, revealing a chat with Stuart Dew that showcases the young Sun’s passion.
“11 clearances in a half of footy… 16 contested possessions in the second half,” King remarked on SEN’s The Picks.
“I spoke to Stewy Dew on Sunday, a little chat… I said tell me something we don’t know about the game.
“He said, ‘I’ll tell you one thing. The last centre bounce of the game, they’re coming from everywhere the Dogs’…
“They walked back to middle, the umpiring wasn’t going their way either and Matt Rowell walked up to Jarrod Witts and eyeballed him and said, ‘you hit this to me and I will get this done’.
“(Witts) said, ‘I had no choice but to hit it to him’.
“He hits it towards him, (Tom Liberatore) gives away a free kick because Rowell is already taking off.
“This young kid has the eye of the tiger, he’s a killer.”
The Suns held on to win by seven points.
Rowell’s lift came at a crucial time for the Suns, who despite a slow start to 2023 are only a game and percentage outside the eight.
After playing in Darwin last week, Gold Coast has remained in the Northern Territory this week for another clash at TIO Stadium, this time again the Crows.
Adelaide knocked off Brisbane last week, but King believes form and conditions are enough in the favour of Gold Coast.
“They’ve now jumped a grade for me. I think this is a game they will win,” King said of the upcoming Round 12 clash.
“I like what the Crows are doing, I love the fact the Suns have been up there for a second week in a row, I love what the Suns are doing right now, I can’t understand the heat on the Stuart Dew.
“I’m going to tip the Suns on the back of their midfield going crazy in Rowell and (Noah) Anderson.”
Rowell is averaging career highs in disposals (21.9), marks (2.0), tackles (9.1), inside 50s (4.2) and clearances (8.0) in 2023, numbers that put him right in the race for a maiden All-Australian blazer.
The Suns host Adelaide on Saturday night, with the first bounce at 7:30pm AEST.