GOLD COAST — In slippery, humid conditions where picking up the ball was like attempting to grasp soap, an 18-year-old young gun showed more class and cleanliness than any other player at Metricon Stadium.

Emerging midfielder Matthew Rowell on Saturday night provided the AFL world with a glimpse as to why the Gold Coast Suns had no hesitations with using Pick 1 to take him in last year’s draft, impressing significantly in his side’s practice match against the Brisbane Lions.

Hours after the Suns’ AFLW team registered its first ever win, the two Queensland-based AFL teams played four 25-minute flat quarters in difficult conditions, with the Lions pulling away in the second half to win by 15 points, 5.9 (39) to Gold Coast 2.12 (24), in front of a sprinkling of loyal fans.

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Round 18

Lion Connor Ballenden exploded at the start of the third term to swing the practice match in Brisbane’s favour. He sold candy to a Suns opponent and nailed a running goal, before threading the needle from the boundary line to kick his second major in five minutes.

Not only did Rowell, who attended most centre bounces, win a lot of the ball, he barely wasted a disposal. His one-touch nature and ability to swing onto either foot with aplomb stood out on a night where players struggled to pick the ball up cleanly and hit targets consistently.

Rowell consistently combined with Suns teammate – and best mate – Noah Anderson, who became more prominent as the game progressed. The Pick 2 won more uncontested ball and used his clean kicking skills in the second half.

Sticking around at Metricon for Q-Clash praccy match. @brisbanelions with a strong squad ft Cameron, Rich, Jarryd Lyons and Birchall. @GoldCoastSUNS set to have a look at Rowell, Anderson and Rankine. pic.twitter.com/IRx5MlWImK — Ben Waterworth (@bjwaterworth) February 15, 2020

The duo were well supported by Will Brodie, who probably won more disposals than any other player on the ground – particularly in the first half. The top-10 draft pick has struggled to cement his spot in the senior side, but showed he has improved his outside game to add to his excellent inside skills to push for Round 1 selection.

Small forward Ben Ainsworth had a confidence-boosting performance after an injury-riddled 2019 campaign. He kicked a lovely set-shot goal in the second quarter and presented well up the ground.

Picks 1 and 2 Matt Rowell (left) and Noah Anderson combined well during the game. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Other highlights for the Suns included the composure of 2019 draftees Jeremy Sharp and Connor Budarick, who both continue to push their respective cases for Round 1 selection, while a bulked-up Jack Bowes spent most of the first half in defence and gave the backline ample direction. Izak Rankine, who missed all of 2019 with hamstring issues, provided a glimpse of his immense talent, creating a turnover inside 50 before picking up a slippery ball and dribbling through a goal on his non-preferred left foot.

Key-position player Peter Wright spent most of the time forward but also pushed into the ruck. While they were tough conditions, Wright had ample opportunities to take marks – both contested and uncontested – but dropped most of them on a frustrating night for the 23-year-old.

New Brisbane Lions recruit Grant Birchall. Picture: Zak Simmonds Source: News Corp Australia

While the Lions kicked away late in the game, most of their positives came during the first half, particularly in defence.

Experienced recruit Grant Birchall showed why he could slot into the chasm left by Luke Hodge. After a cautious pre-season, Birchall moved freely and used the ball well to link up with the likes of Marcus Adams, Brandon Starcevich, Daniel Rich and Zac Bailey.

Ex-Sun Callum Ah Chee also slotted into the Lions’ backline, playing predominantly on classy goalkicker Alex Sexton while taking several of Brisbane’s kick-ins.

Birchall, Rich and Charlie Cameron were taken off at half-time, but all made an impact during the first two quarters.

There’ll be a few changes at HT, so some players will be rested ... that’s after running a few laps of Metricon ... pic.twitter.com/hQXcgaMIjX — Ben Waterworth (@bjwaterworth) February 15, 2020

Cameron kicked the first goal of the game – and it was quintessentially electric. He crumbed the ball off a pack, accelerated away from two Suns and snapped the footy over his right shoulder to pick up from where he left off in 2019.

No. 1 pick Cam Rayner, sporting a leaner physique, was a standout for the Lions. He tackled hard and covered the ground well, while a big pack mark just outside the goalsquare was one of the highlights of the game.

Both sides were far from full strength, with the Suns missing Brayden Fiorini, Brandon Ellis, Ben King, David Swallow, Hugh Greenwood, Jarrod Witts, Rory Thompson, Sam Collins, Jack Hombsch, Nick Holman, Lachie Weller and Jarrod Harbrow.

Captain Dayne Zorko led a long list of Brisbane absentees, however many of them trained earlier on Saturday morning in Coorparoo.

BRISBANE LIONS 1.2, 1.2, 3.3, 5.9 (39)

GOLD COAST SUNS 0.5, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12 (24)

GOALS

Lions: Ballenden 2, Cameron, Fullarton, Starcevich

Suns: Rankine, Ainsworth