STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Contested work
+ Inside game
+ Overhead marking
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Kicking
- Versatility

There are many boxes Rowston ticks, proving a reliable performer throughout the year and hardly putting a foot wrong. The crux of his game lies at the contest, where the tough 18-year-old's competitiveness and clean stoppage craft shine.

A real gutsy goer, Rowston stood up against stiff opposition this season to impose himself on the contest. While his Allies MVP feats were impressive, one of his standout efforts came against a Sandringham Dragons midfield trio of Will Ashcroft, Cam Mackenzie and Olli Hotton, whom Rowston collect 26 disposals against in a finals loss.

The level of competitiveness required to play a game like Rowston's is high. He worked hard on his endurance base to become a more viable midfield option, and offers the same standards on-field. At the National Championships, his average 23 disposals and five clearances were evidence of his powerful ball winning ability.

While he won 47 per cent of his possessions in a contest, Rowston's improved running capacity became a strength away from stoppage. Busting a gut on the spread, he snuck forward for three goals in his opening Allies outing, and has the capacity to hit the scoreboard as a midfielder or resting forward.

Though he could further enhance that sense of versatility, Rowston's overhead marking ability is something which defies his size. His clean hands translate from a ground ball sense to the aerial realm, with Rowston not afraid to put his body on the line and clunk grabs at full stretch.

In terms of improvement, Rowston does many things powerfully and that extends to his kicking. That helps in the way of penetration, but the onballer's flat delivery is hit and miss at times, especially when blazing away from stoppages. With a touch more polish by foot, his inside-outside balance will even out and his hurt factor will only heighten.