Matt Rowell has quickly become one of the most exciting stories in Australian Rules Football. Since arriving at the Gold Coast Suns as the AFL’s top draft pick, he has played with a fearless energy and skill that has made headlines and won the hearts of footy fans.
Rowell’s journey from a standout junior player in Melbourne to an AFL midfield star is packed with impressive stats, contract milestones, and a budding profile both on and off the field.
Matt Rowell’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Rowell |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Education | Carey Grammar, Melbourne |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 180 cm |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Turned Pro | 2019 AFL Draft, Pick 1 (Gold Coast Suns) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5–2 million |
| Salary | $750,000–$800,000 per year |
| Career Earnings | Approx. $3.5–$4 million |
| Endorsements | ASICS, Sherrin |
| Social Media | Instagram: @matt.rowell (moderate activity), Twitter (inactive/private) |
| Partner/Children | N/A |
Early Career
Matt Rowell started his football journey at the Canterbury Cobras in Melbourne’s inner east, showing promise as early as under 10s. His natural talent and dedication stood out, and by his teenage years, Rowell was already a star for the Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League.
He debuted for the Chargers just a month after turning 16, making a strong impression on talent scouts. Rowell also led Carey Grammar to victories and earned All Australian honors at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, proving himself as one of the country’s best young players.
His ability to handle pressure and expectations—both at school and in club football—set the stage for his rapid rise.
Professional Career
Matt Rowell joined the Gold Coast Suns as the number one pick in the 2019 AFL Draft, arriving with high expectations. He wasted no time making his mark, debuting in the AFL in Round 1, 2020.
Rowell’s impact was immediate: he received a Rising Star nomination in his second game, earned nine Brownlow votes in his first four games, and quickly became known for his fearless tackling and ball-winning ability.
Injury interrupted his debut season, but he worked tirelessly to return, often supporting his team from the bench as an opposition analyst while recovering. Since then, Rowell has become a key midfielder for the Suns, consistently ranking among the league’s top clearance winners and twice leading the AFL for tackles per game in 2023 and 2024.
His leadership and on-field performances have been central to Gold Coast’s push toward finals contention. By mid-2025, Rowell had played over 100 games and signed a new contract extension, confirming his commitment to the Suns’ future.
Matt Rowell’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Matt Rowell’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million. Most of his wealth comes from his AFL salary, club bonuses, and brand endorsements with ASICS and Sherrin.
Contract
Rowell signed a two-year contract extension in mid-2025, keeping him at the Gold Coast Suns until the end of the 2027 season. The deal reflects his status as a core player and the club’s desire to build a competitive team around him.
Salary
His annual salary is reported to be between $750,000 and $800,000, making him one of the Suns’ highest-paid players. This figure is competitive with other young stars in the AFL and includes standard match payments and potential bonuses.
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $450,000 | Rookie season, injury interrupted |
| 2021 | $600,000 | Return from injury, regular midfield role |
| 2022 | $700,000 | Established as top clearance player |
| 2023 | $750,000 | Led league in tackles, contract extension |
| 2024 | $800,000 | Improved stats, new contract talks |
| 2025 | $800,000 | Contract extension, 100+ games milestone |
| Total | $4,100,000 | Approximate cumulative earnings |
Endorsements
Matt Rowell is one of the most recognizable young Australian Rules Football players, and his rising profile has led to commercial opportunities with leading brands. In 2025, Rowell is officially an ambassador for ASICS, the global sportswear company specializing in footwear and apparel for athletes.
This partnership means Rowell often wears ASICS gear during training sessions and public appearances, and his image regularly features in ASICS marketing campaigns targeted at AFL fans. He is also associated with Sherrin, the iconic Australian football manufacturer and official supplier of match balls for the AFL.
Career Stats
| Season | Games | Disposals (Avg) | Kicks (Avg) | Handballs (Avg) | Marks (Avg) | Goals | Tackles (Avg) | Clearances (Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 17.4 | 7.6 | 9.8 | 0.8 | 6 | 4.0 | 3.4 |
| 2021 | 12 | 14.1 | 5.5 | 8.6 | 1.8 | 2 | 3.7 | 2.3 |
| 2022 | 22 | 18.6 | 9.7 | 8.8 | 1.2 | 2 | 6.0 | 3.7 |
| 2023 | 23 | 21.2 | 11.9 | 9.3 | 1.9 | 7 | 7.7 | 4.0 |
| 2024 | 23 | 23.4 | 10.6 | 12.8 | 1.4 | 8 | 7.1 | 4.2 |
| 2025* | 4 | 27.3 | 14.0 | 13.3 | 2.0 | 1 | 9.5 | 5.3 |
| Career | 89 | 20.2 | 10.0 | 10.2 | 1.5 | 26 | 6.5 | 3.8 |
FAQs
1. How much is Matt Rowell’s net worth?
Matt Rowell has an estimated net worth of around $2.5 million. His income comes mainly from Gold Coast Suns contracts, regular salary increases, and a solid endorsement portfolio.
2. Who is Matt Rowell’s best mate on the Suns team?
Rowell’s closest teammate and long-time friend is Noah Anderson. They have played together since school and have continued their partnership with the Gold Coast Suns, influencing each other’s careers.
3. What is Rowell’s current contract status?
Rowell signed a new two-year contract in June 2025 to stay with the Gold Coast Suns until the end of the 2027 season. The deal includes high-value salary terms and positions him as a core player for the team’s future plans.
4. What makes Rowell’s playing style stand out?
Rowell leads in contested possessions and tackles per game, earning league-wide recognition for his ball-winning ability and consistent work rate. His physicality and smart positioning set him apart as a midfielder.
5. Is Matt Rowell active on social media?
Matt Rowell regularly interacts with fans on Instagram under the handle @rowelly18. He shares updates about games, endorsements, and personal moments, maintaining strong engagement with followers.
