Matt Rowell Wins the 2025 Brownlow Medal: A Historic Night for Gold Coast Suns and the AFL
The Brownlow Medal is the most prestigious individual honour in Australian Rules Football, awarded annually to the AFL’s “best and fairest” player. On 22 September 2025, history was made as Gold Coast Suns midfielder Matt Rowell etched his name into AFL folklore by winning the 2025 Brownlow Medal. His victory not only confirmed his status as one of the league’s most dominant players but also gave the Suns their second Brownlow in history after Gary Ablett Jr.’s triumph in 2013.
This blog dives deep into the highlights of Rowell’s stunning season, the drama of Brownlow night, the impact on his career and the Gold Coast Suns, as well as the wider implications for the AFL.
Matt Rowell’s Journey to AFL Stardom
Matt Rowell was the No. 1 draft pick in 2019, and from the moment he arrived at the Gold Coast Suns, expectations were sky-high. Known for his powerful frame, relentless tackling, and exceptional contested ball work, Rowell quickly earned a reputation as one of the toughest and most promising midfielders in the competition.
However, his early years weren’t all smooth sailing. After bursting onto the scene with brilliant performances in his debut season, Rowell suffered multiple injuries that stalled his progress. Questions were raised about whether he could consistently deliver on his potential.
The 2025 season proved to be the answer. Rowell not only stayed fit across the year but elevated his game to a new level. His ability to dominate contested possessions, lay bone-crunching tackles, and inspire his team in critical moments made him a standout across the league.
The 2025 Brownlow Medal Count
The Brownlow Medal count is always a night of anticipation and suspense, but this year, Rowell made sure the drama was short-lived.
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Early Rounds Dominance: Rowell stormed to the top of the leaderboard within the first few rounds of the season. His string of best-on-ground performances gave him an almost unassailable lead by mid-season.
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Final Tally: Rowell finished with 39 votes, comfortably ahead of Collingwood star Nick Daicos on 32 votes. His margin of victory was one of the most commanding in recent history.
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Consistency: Across the season, Rowell polled in more than a dozen matches, showing how regularly he caught the umpires’ attention with his dominance around stoppages and contested ball situations.
The count will be remembered for Rowell’s extraordinary start. Round after round, his name was read out for three votes, leaving fans, commentators, and even his opponents in awe.
The Significance for the Gold Coast Suns
For the Gold Coast Suns, a club often under scrutiny for its on-field performances and struggles to retain talent, Rowell’s Brownlow Medal is a landmark moment.
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Validation of Drafting and Development: Rowell’s rise is a testament to the Suns’ ability to identify and nurture top-tier talent.
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Club History: With Gary Ablett Jr. and now Matt Rowell, the Suns can boast two Brownlow medallists in just over a decade. That’s a proud achievement for a young expansion club.
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Boost in Popularity: Expect the Suns to capitalise on this victory with increased membership drives, sponsorship deals, and greater media exposure. Rowell is now the face of the franchise, and his marketability will only grow from here.
Rowell’s Playing Style: Why Umpires Rewarded Him
The Brownlow Medal is decided by the votes of field umpires, who reward players they believe had the greatest influence on the game. Rowell’s style is tailor-made to attract votes:
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Contested Beast: His ability to win the hard ball consistently made him a standout in stoppages.
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Tackling Machine: Rowell is renowned for his tackling pressure, often recording double-digit tackles in a single game.
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Work Rate: His relentless running and presence across four quarters made him impossible to ignore.
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Leadership: Even at a young age, he plays with a maturity that lifts his teammates around him.
It’s no surprise that when the umpires sat down to vote, Rowell’s name repeatedly came to mind.
The Rivalry with Nick Daicos
While Rowell was the star of the night, the battle for the Brownlow also showcased the brilliance of Collingwood’s Nick Daicos. Daicos, known for his silky skills, decision-making, and ability to control the tempo of the game, pushed Rowell for much of the season.
The Daicos-Rowell rivalry is one fans will be watching for years to come. It represents two different but equally exciting styles of football:
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Rowell, the contested warrior who thrives in the clinches.
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Daicos, the smooth playmaker with an uncanny ability to slice through defences.
Their duel added spice to the 2025 Brownlow count and will likely fuel future seasons.
Reactions Across the AFL World
The moment Rowell’s name was announced as the winner, social media lit up with reactions from fans, players, and commentators.
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Fans praised his resilience, noting how he overcame early injuries to fulfil his potential.
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Teammates celebrated the win as a victory not just for Rowell but for the Suns as a whole.
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Commentators highlighted the historical significance: Rowell’s win is not just about one player but about lifting the profile of the Gold Coast Suns and reinforcing the value of contested football in the modern AFL.
Even rival supporters admitted that Rowell’s season had been too strong to ignore, making his win one of the least controversial in recent memory.
Commercial and Personal Impact
Winning the Brownlow Medal does more than etch a name in the history books; it transforms a player’s profile overnight.
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Endorsements: Expect Rowell to attract new sponsorship deals from major brands eager to associate with his clean image and inspiring story.
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Leadership: This win could accelerate his journey toward captaincy at the Suns, if not in the immediate future, then certainly down the track.
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Legacy Building: A Brownlow is often the start of a player’s journey into AFL greatness. If Rowell maintains this level for years to come, he could join the pantheon of the game’s all-time great midfielders.
Addressing the Voting Debate
Every Brownlow count comes with some debate, and 2025 was no exception. Some pundits questioned a few of the early-round votes, arguing that other players may have been equally deserving in certain games.
However, the consensus remains clear: Rowell’s dominance across the season was undeniable. While the AFL may continue to refine its voting system in future years, this should not overshadow the legitimacy of Rowell’s achievement.
What This Means for the Future of the AFL
Rowell’s Brownlow Medal victory is significant not only for him and the Suns but also for the AFL as a whole.
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Expansion Club Validation: Success stories like this are vital for growing clubs like the Suns, helping them attract and retain both players and fans.
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Contested Football Spotlight: In an era where outside run and flashy skills often steal headlines, Rowell’s win underscores the value of toughness and work ethic in the midfield.
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Rivalries and Narratives: The Rowell vs. Daicos storyline adds another layer of intrigue for fans and media, keeping the AFL conversation alive beyond match days.
Final Thoughts
Matt Rowell’s 2025 Brownlow Medal win is more than just an individual accolade; it’s a symbol of persistence, resilience, and the rise of a football club long searching for respect. For the Gold Coast Suns, it’s a defining moment in their journey, while for Rowell, it’s the beginning of what could be a legendary career.
As the AFL world reflects on Brownlow night, one thing is certain: Matt Rowell has arrived as a superstar, and the league will be richer for the battles, rivalries, and highlights he is set to deliver in the years ahead.
