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MATT Rowell is every bit as good as advertised and almost certainly locked in a spot for round one following a terrific showing for Gold Coast in a dominant Marsh Community Series victory over Geelong on Saturday night.
Rowell, the No.1 pick from the 2019 NAB AFL Draft, collected 20 disposals (15 contested) and looked right at home in his first official match against mature midfield bodies.
YOUNG SUNS SHINE Full match coverage
The 18-year-old gathered seven disposals in the first quarter, seven in the second, three in the third and three in the fourth as his minutes decreased in a polished performance.
He was instrumental in the new-look Suns' 17.20 (122) to 7.12 (54) victory against a Cats team that was well off the pace.
In slippery conditions at Metricon Stadium, Rowell kept his feet, was clean with his hands and set up a goal for fellow draftee Connor Budarick with a clever tap-on in the second term.
At one first-quarter centre bounce he lined up against Patrick Dangerfield, watched a teammate win the clearance before pushing off the Cats superstar to receive the handball and burst clear to pump the ball inside 50. It was a glimpse into Gold Coast's future.
Rowell was not the only youngster to impress, with Budarick finding his feet in the backline, and No.2 pick Noah Anderson (14) working into the game well after half-time.
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Anderson slotted an exceptional checkside goal on the run in the third quarter, while another draftee – wingman Jeremy Sharp – continued the party with a 50m set shot bomb.
Two-time Richmond premiership player Brandon Ellis (22) added pace to a team that looked considerably quicker than 2019.
Alex Sexton (six goals) dined out on the work of his midfielders with some typically opportunistic finishing, while Darcy Macpherson (31 touches and six tackles) was arguably best afield.
It was a rough night for Geelong, with former Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett (eight touches) rarely sighted in what was likely to be his last game at Metricon Stadium.
FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game
Dangerfield spent most of his time forward, while Tom Atkins battled hard in a beaten midfield.
New faces
Gold Coast: Aside from Rowell, Ellis, Budarick and Anderson, there was plenty of other first-time Suns that impressed. Jeremy Sharp came on only after half-time but made the most of his opportunity, gathering nine disposals, four marks and a long-range goal from the wing. The teenage West Australian is a fringe round one candidate, but looked at home at the top level. Former Crow Hugh Greenwood spent most of his time onball and excelled, collecting 25 touches and laying nine tackles. Zac Smith also made an impact in his first game back in Suns colours, deputising superbly in the absence of skipper Jarrod Witts to finish with 28 hitouts and five clearances from his 12 disposals.
Geelong: It was a rough night for the Cats and that included its first-time players. Former Crow Josh Jenkins struggled with limited ball going forward, registering just 11 disposals, which included some small minutes as a back-up ruck. No.16 draft pick Cooper Stephens (12) had some moments in the midfield, while rookie draft pick Brad Close (12) faded from the game after a good first half.
Fantasy watch
Hugh Greenwood (MID/FWD, $581,000) costs a bit, but against the Cats he showed he's up to it. Playing mainly in the middle, the former Adelaide tough-nut tallied 25 touches and just as importantly added nine tackles. He was also energetic in his time forward.
Tom Atkins (FWD, $395,000) might be a nice option after he shone in a forward/midfield role. Although his minutes in the middle will decrease once Patrick Dangerfield and co return onball, Atkins laid six tackles and kicked a goal to go with his 22 disposals in a well-rounded outing.
Next up
Gold Coast travels to Adelaide to play the Crows at Flinders University Stadium on Friday, March 6 at 4.20pm (ACST), while Geelong's final pre-season hitout will be against Essendon at Central Reserve in Colac on Monday, March 9 at 4.40pm (AEDT).
GOLD COAST 3.2 7.9 12.15 17.20 (122)
GEELONG 1.5 3.7 4.10 7.12 (54)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Sexton 6, King 2, Day 2, Sharp, Anderson, Ainsworth, Lemmens, Wright, Swallow, Budarick
Geelong: Rohan 3, Ratugolea, Atkins, Parson, Miers
BEST
Gold Coast: Macpherson, Sexton, Ainsworth, Brodie, Bowes, Miller, Rowell
Geelong: Atkins, Tuohy, Narkle, Clark
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
Geelong: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 5903 at Metricon Stadium
