After polling 39 votes in the annual Brownlow medal count, Gold Coast SUNS midfielder Matt Rowell became the second SUN to earn the game’s highest honour.
Rowell joins Garry Abblett Jnr, who was the first SUNS player to be awarded the Brownlow medal in 2013, and was one of two SUNS to be recognised on the occasion, after skipper Noah Anderson’s solo goal against Collingwood in Round 18 earned him NAB AFL Goal of the Year.
On Rowell’s return to People First Stadium, he shared the glory with SUNS fans.
“It’s been really nice to come back to the GC with a medal,” he shared.
“I got to meet some fans this morning, for them to come out and show their love, it’s really special.”
The 24-year-old gave an insight into the ‘whirlwind’ aftermath of earning the prestigious medal.
“Celebrations were great on Monday,” he said.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a week, lots of media, being in different places. I got to spend a few days celebrating with family which was nice.
“When I was on Sunrise the next morning, I think I got an hour’s sleep. I tried to get a few good sleeps in after that but it took about a week to recover.”
Since the win, Rowell’s family have become almost as famous as him and are enjoying the publicity.
“They’re enjoying it, mum keeps saying she has more fans than I do,” he laughed.
“They’ve been so supportive, they do everything with me.”
The young SUN’s win caps off a milestone season, which saw the Gold Coast make their maiden semi-final and earn two all-Australian blazers.
However, AFL is about more than individual brilliance, and Rowell says he couldn’t have gotten to where he is today without his teammates.
“They’ve shown me a lot of love,” he reflected.
“I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without them all.
“It’s probably been my favourite season playing footy with them.”
With the AFL season concluded, the SUNS can now look forward to the off season, and the Brownlow medallist is off to Japan with captain Noah Anderson, before he joins pre-season training in early December.
“I’ve got Japan booked for a few weeks,” he said.
“I haven’t been there before, I’m looking forward to it.”
