Carlton will be celebrating two milestones when the Blues run out against the Giants on Saturday, with Sam Rowe and Tom Bell lining up for AFL game number 50.
The two players arrived at Melbourne Airport together on Friday, ahead of the team’s flight to Sydney. Over a coffee in the Virgin Lounge they reflected on the achievement they’re about to reach.
“It’s definitely something I didn’t think I could achieve so quickly,” Tom Bell said.
“It’s obviously a great honour – Carlton’s a massive club and it’s a great honour to play 50 games for them.”
The big-bodied midfielder from Queensland was recruited to Carlton through the 2011 rookie draft. He made his debut in Round 17, 2012 against the Western Bulldogs, and went on to earn the Blues’ Best First Year Player Award.
After another consistent season in 2013, Bell was elevated to Carlton’s senior list. The 24-year-old, who was mentored by Chris Judd upon arrival at Carlton, says a determination to succeed is what’s enabled him to reach 50 games.
“I always wanted to jump onto that senior list as quickly as I could,” he said.
“I just focused on playing consistent footy and I’ve been lucky enough to do that this year and string a few games together.”
Sam Rowe had a tougher path than most footballers to reach 50 games. After spending two years on Sydney’s rookie list, he landed at SANFL club Norwood. Rowe’s form at the Redlegs impressed Carlton recruiters who selected him with a second round pick in the 2011 National Draft.
However, a setback with his health meant that it wouldn’t be until Round 2, 2013 that Rowe would finally make his AFL debut. He was 25 when he ran out for that first game at the MCG, and today at almost 28, the impending milestone is all the more satisfying.
“I’m a 50-game veteran I reckon – probably the oldest bloke to get 50 games,” Rowe laughed.
“But it’s been good fun I’ve had a good time.”
In 2014 Rowe enjoyed a breakout season, playing in 21 games for the year. He earned Carlton’s Most Improved Player Award and at the end of the year was elevated to the leadership group.
When reflecting on his journey at Carlton, there were two people who stood out as having helped ‘Rowey’ along the way.
“Being a defender, myself and Jamo (Michael Jamison) have worked pretty closely together for the last few years – early on I tried to base my game around his a fair bit,” Rowe said.
“Johnny Barker’s been a pretty good influence on my career at Carlton. I first came as a forward and he was a forward coach, and then I went to the backline and so did he, so he’s been a good influence.”
Bell and Rowe will reach 50 AFL games when the Blues take on the Giants at Spotless Stadium on Saturday at 1.45pm AEST.
