CANCER survivor Sam Rowe admits he is relieved to finally be making his AFL debut, but hopes it will be just the start of a long and fruitful career.
After being sidelined for the 2012 season as he battled testicular cancer, Rowe has been named in attack for Carlton's blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
The robust key-forward/ruckman has taken a circuitous route to the big time, overcoming rejection as well as illness.
Originally from Walla Walla in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Rowe played TAC Cup Under-18 football with the Murray Bushrangers before spending two seasons (2006-07) on the Sydney Swans' rookie list.
After four seasons with SANFL club Norwood, netting 112 goals in 86 games, he found a new home with the Blues, who snared him with pick 44 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.
Rowe's first season at Carlton was a nightmare. After being diagnosed with cancer, he underwent surgery to remove the lump last April before being subjected to chemotherapy.
After receiving a clean bill of health, the popular clubman threw himself back into training, completing the entire pre-season and playing all but one of the Blues' NAB Cup games.
"I'm a better person for everything I've been through so I'm not ever going to complain about anything that's happened to me," Rowe told carltonfc.com.au.
"I feel very lucky that I get to play on Sunday and to be the person that I am."
Blues coach Mick Malthouse told the 25-year-old of his selection on Tuesday.
"I was excited to hear (that)," Rowe said. "I’d been working towards this all pre-season and I was hoping for it.
"There's a little bit of relief there also. It's been a long time coming. I've been here, there and everywhere to get to this point, so there's relief and a little bit of satisfaction.
"I hope this is only a stepping stone for things to come.
"I don't want to just be the guy who had cancer and played a game. I'd rather be known as a good footy player who played a lot of footy to come."
Malthouse believes Rowe will achieve this goal because, he said recently, "he's got an ingredient that is exactly what you want – he's a massive contester".
The coach also said Rowe was "very easy to coach because he's got massive ambition, and when you've got that you virtually coach yourself".
Figures like Rowe, who have overcome great adversity, naturally inspire people. The humble big man says he doesn't spend much time pondering the effect his story has on others.
"There are people out there who have gone through similar things, (but) if I can help people in any way I feel pretty good about that too," he said.
One person who continues to inspire is his longtime mate Dean Terlich, who will also make his AFL debut this weekend, for Melbourne. They grew up together and lived together for two years as Norwood teammates.
"He's definitely had a tough run but he's come out of the other side stronger," Terlich, 23, said of Rowe.
