Gold Coast Suns' 5-2 start lifts on back of Rowbottom's broader game
Two-time All-Australian Charlie Rowbottom worked on her running and outside play over the off-season, and Gold Coast Suns have become the competition's feel-good story at 5-2.
Charlie Rowbottom knew her game had gaps even as a two-time All-Australian. The 23-year-old midfield star for Gold Coast worked intensively on her transition and outside running during the off-season, building on the exceptional contest work that defines her play.
The Suns are now 5-2 this season, the feel-good story of women's AFL, and Rowbottom sits third in the league for clearances, fourth for disposals and fifth for tackles. Shoulder surgery earlier in the year forced her to develop her outside game when she could not do contested work.
Coach Rhyce Shaw says Rowbottom has evolved into essentially the best player in the competition right now. She now ranks 16th for pressure acts, the first time she has cracked the top 20.
The Suns face Brisbane on Saturday, a team Gold Coast has not beaten in seven previous meetings. Rowbottom is keen to test Gold Coast's brand against one of the top sides.
- 23 years old
- Rowbottom's age
- 5-2
- Suns' current record
- 3 wins in 23 games
- Previous season record
- 16th in competition
- Rowbottom pressure acts ranking
Why it mattersA player's willingness to overhaul her game, and a team's dramatic turnaround from just three wins in 23 games, shows how deliberate work and young talent can transform a struggling side.
AustraliaGold Coast women's AFL has shifted from struggling to genuine premiership chance, lifting the sport's profile on the coast.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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