A history making week on the Gold Coast has continued on Thursday night with SUNS stars Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell named in the 2025 All Australian Team.
The AFL awarded the SUNS duo and now All Australian debutants the prestigious blazers on Thursday night as part of the AFL Awards, just 24 hours after the pair played their part in a record-breaking victory over Essendon that landed the Gold Coast its maiden AFL Finals appearance.
Anderson was previously included in the extended All Australian squads in both 2023 & 2024, and now earns his maiden All Australian blazer in 2025, named in the midfield. Leading the way as the league’s youngest skipper, Anderson ranked third in the AFL for disposals (30.2 per game), fourth in clearances (8.5 per game) to go with 12 goals.
If there was ever a slither of doubt on the inclusion of the 24-year-old SUN, his electric performance in Wednesday night’s do-or-die match certainly cemented his place in the side with an impressive three goals and 34 touches.
After earning in the 44-player squad for the first time in 2025, Rowell too earns his first All Australian blazer, named on the Interchange after a career-best season playing an integral role in the SUNS midfield.
The 2019 number one draft pick averaged 25.9 disposals and an AFL-best 8.5 clearances as well as sitting among the league’s elite in contested possessions (13.9 average) and tackles (8.7 average). The young SUN likewise did his chance of selection no harm in Wednesday’s Finals decider with two majors, eight tackles and 31 disposals.
“It is fantastic recognition for both Noah and Matt to earn their first All Australian blazers following superb seasons,” GC SUNS General Manager of Football Performance Wayne Campbell said.
“Noah’s leadership in his first season as captain of our club has been inspiring, as had the trademark combativeness that Matt brings every week.”
The announcement marks the first time Gold Coast has been represented in the side since Touk Miller featured in 2022, and the first time that two SUNS players have been named in the same side.
The duo join Miller, Gary Ablett Jnr and Tom Lynch as SUNS to have been selected in the All-Australian Team.
The 2025 All Australian selection panel comprised Andrew Dillon (Chair), Eddie Betts, Jude Bolton, Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes, Abbey Holmes, Glen Jakovich, Laura Kane and Matthew Pavlich.
