Rose is blooming at South

By ZAC MILBANK

It’s fair to say Matthew Rose never imagined his 150th game being so important in the context of his career against Port Adelaide. 

But that’s how things have panned out for South Adelaide’s co-captain, who played the first 50 matches of his SANFL journey in the black and white prison bars.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Rose said he was proud to now qualify for his name on a locker at Noarlunga once he chalks up his 100th club game in the Navy Blue at Flinders University Stadium on Sunday.

And after losing their last three in a row, the Panthers – led by ultra-consistent Rose – are not lost on the importance of their Round 15 encounter against the Magpies.

A school teacher at Glenelg Primary School, Rose said he is often provided with plenty of advice from his Year 4 students, particularly in the lead up to games against the Bays.

But the 27-year-old has had the last laugh this year, with South being one of the few clubs to trouble the Tigers on both occasions, recording a draw and a win against its southern rival.

Rose, who made his Statewide Super League debut in Round 2 of 2010, isn’t sure about whether he will make it to the SANFL 200 Club but will play as long as he can while chasing an elusive League premiership.