MATT Rowell and Noah Anderson's transition from Melbourne to Gold Coast has been made easier, with the top two picks from last year's NAB AFL Draft moving in to Suns chief executive Mark Evans' house.
After Evans and his wife Lynne had talented duo Ben King and Jack Lukosius live with them throughout 2019 (and even fellow first-round pick Izak Rankine for a short period), the boss of the Suns has again opened his doors to the club's next wave of youngsters.
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Rowell and Anderson headed to the Suns as the respective No.1 and No.2 picks from the 2019 draft intake, and after playing at Oakleigh Chargers, Carey Grammar and Vic Metro together for many years, will spend their initial AFL days as housemates, too.
"We're both staying together at Mark Evans' place, so we're not complaining there, it's a nice place and a good spot," Rowell said on Wednesday at the AFLPA player leadership and induction camp.
"Mark and his wife Lynne are great people and they're very easygoing, and if we need anything they're there so they're really good like that. We have good chats with them over the dinner table."
While the Evans' show the pair the ropes off the field, Rowell said his first month at the Suns has opened his eyes to the demands of an AFL career.
"I've loved every minute of it. Everyone's been very welcoming and there's been a great energy around the club," he said.
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"It has been [tough]. I don't think anything really prepares you for a proper AFL pre-season, but I've enjoyed really getting into it.
"It's tough but you feel better after it because you're getting better.
"It's just how much you do throughout the day. Most of the days are pretty full, you do main training then it's physio, gym, and have meetings. It's all about the little things and then making sure you have time to switch off as well and getting good sleep."
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The 18-year-old is considered a likely inclusion for the Suns in their season-opening clash with Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium, but he said a debut was not yet front of mind.
"Round one hasn't really even crossed my mind. It's just been about putting my best foot forward at training and getting respect from my teammates," he said.
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