Sam Rowe could be in line for selection for Round 1, less than a year after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. Source: Getty Images
FOR cancer survivor Sam Rowe, playing in Carlton colours again on Sunday was enough of a victory.
Now after a polished outing in the NAB Cup, the mature-aged key-position prospect has had the carrot of a Round 1 spot against Richmond dangled in front of him.
Rowe gladdened Carlton hearts with his comeback, kicking two goals against Greater Western Sydney just eight months after chemotherapy to treat testicular cancer.
Carlton kept the faith with the former Sydney rookie, and the 25-year not only kicked goals, he brought the ball to ground for the club's fleet of crumbers.
As Rowe himself said of his prognosis: "I am 100 per cent so it's great to be back playing footy again".
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse described Rowe as "a good story for football" but the ride hasn't finished yet.
He is striving for a Round 1 spot with a raft of talls including Levi Casboult, Jarrad Waite, Shaun Hampson, Robbie Warnock and first-choice ruckman Matthew Kreuzer.
Forward coach Jon Barker said yesterday Rowe's journey back from his cancer had lifted the entire club.
Now he has the chance to cement a spot in a Carlton side crying out for a big strong presence alongside mark-and-lead forward Waite.
"We are most proud of the fact he's fought so hard last year, and the fact he's been able to get back and train and play footy," Barker said.
"He performed well yesterday. It's just a great story. He's out of those guys who is so hard-working. He's had a few fights on his hands in the last 18 months, and he's found a way to get into our side.
"We are hopeful he can keep playing good footy and can put his hand up to be a part of the Round 1 side. We are going to have some challenging decisions to make as we get closer to Round 1.''
The cancer might have rocked Rowe's world, but it has also had some unusual side effects.
The player who arrived at the club with straight dark brown hair now has a mop of curly hair due to the chemotherapy, although he has been told the curls might one day wear off.
Not only is Rowe a popular clubman, he is popular with his attacking teammates, given his predictability in attack.
"He is pretty popular around the club, he has a fair bit to say on the track and provides that energy and spark in spades, and when the ball comes into his area if he doesn't mark it, it comes to ground," Barker says.
"Time in the front half is so important with today's footy with how condensed the game is, so because of his aggression he gives us that second chance if it hits the deck."
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