NO matter the result of Sunday’s semi-final against the Wodonga Raiders, North Albury youngster Adam Rowland will still take plenty from his season with the Hoppers.
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Rowland is the final nominee for the Ovens and Murray Rising Star award, joining Lavington pair Lewis Gardiner and Luke McNeil, as well as Yarrawonga’s Corey Greer and Luke Ednie, on the list of nominations.
“It’s pretty exciting to be recognised in that way,” Rowland said.
“To be nominated for this type of award in the best league outside of Melbourne is a bit of an honour.
“It caps off the season nicely.”
One of just six Hoppers to play every game this season, Rowland has cemented his spot in the North Albury backline and has often been given the unenviable task of trying to curb the influence of many of the competition’s star players.
“I generally play on the guys who are resting in the forward line,” Rowland said.
“I’ve been able to play on guys like Joel Mackie and Xavier Leslie, which has been a great learning experience for me because they are both fantastic players.
“But at the same time, with injuries and other factors throughout the year, I have learnt to be versatile and have got to play all around the ground.”
The Xavier High student has gone about his business with minimal fanfare, but the 18-year-old grandson of St Kilda great Ian ‘Doggy’ Rowland is widely regarded as one of the best emerging talents in the league.
“I just keep on trying to play my role each week,” Rowland said.
“That’s all Hoggy (Hoppers coach Travis Hodgson) wants me to do, just play my role for the team.
“I watch how Nathan Matsinos and Alex Popko go about it for the club and try to model my game on theirs.”
Although growing in maturity every week, Rowland admits his first senior finals experience was much tougher than he expected.
“I played in three junior premierships with St Pat’s so I had a bit of finals experience ... but on the weekend it went to another level,” he said.
“It (the loss) was very disappointing but Yarrawonga are a very good side.
“The result speaks for itself, they played very well.”
Even at just 18 years of age, Rowland understands the importance of Sunday’s semi-final for the Hoppers against their bitter rivals.
“There is definitely a bit of history between the two sides,” Rowland said.
“But it makes this weekend all the more exciting.
“It’s definitely a do-or-die game for both sides and the winner will certainly come away with a lot of bragging rights.”
