West Coast coach Adam Simpson predicts Gold Coast midfielder Matt Rowell is on the verge of taking one other step ahead in his AFL profession – and he does not assume it is due to the pre-game grass munching.
Simpson could not assist however chortle when imaginative and prescient emerged of Rowell consuming some Carrara Stadium grass whereas warming up forward of the Suns’ loss to Melbourne final week.
The weird pre-match routine grew to become an enormous speaking level on social media this week, and cameras will little question be squarely centered on Rowell through the warm-up to Friday night time’s conflict with the Eagles at Optus Stadium.
“I had a laugh at it,” Simpson stated. “It’s a routine. He might have been doing it his whole life.
“Maybe we are able to spray the grass with one thing earlier than (Friday’s sport).”
Rowell’s AFL career started with a bang in 2020 before being stalled by serious injuries.
The 21-year-old rebounded strongly last year to play out a full season for the first time, and he’s averaging career highs in disposals (20.6), tackles (8) and clearances (7.8) in 2023.
Simpson has been impressed by Rowell’s trajectory, and feels there’s more to come.
“I do not assume it is related to the munching on the grass. He’s an excellent, gifted participant,” Simpson stated.
“He’s nearly to take one other step ahead.”
Another Suns player Simpson has been impressed with is midfielder Noah Anderson, who has noticeably stepped up since Touk Miller succumbed to a knee injury in round six.
“He’s gone to a different degree in the previous couple of weeks with Miller going out of the facet,” Simpson stated.
“It appears like he is actually grown with the duty.”
The Eagles also have an emerging star in their midst – first-year midfielder Reuben Ginbey.
Ginbey has been handed a series of tagging roles on some of the AFL’s best midfielders this season but Simpson has also earmarked how the 18-year-old plays when he doesn’t have a shut-down role.
“Last week we noticed him categorical his velocity and run slightly bit extra. That was with no function,” Simpson stated.
“He’s most likely our fittest participant, he runs (two kilometres) in underneath six minutes, and he’d be within the high three or 4 with velocity.”
Liam Duggan will captain West Coast on Friday night time, with Simpson eager to present Oscar Allen and Dom Sheed a go at being skipper in future weeks.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
