Rowan Marshall’s teammates call him ‘the prospect’.
Standing at 201cm, the 22-year-old’s potential is sky high. He has the height to play in the ruck, while his strong mark and clean hands make him an exciting option in attack.
Now, in his second year and with a full pre-season under his belt, the ‘prospect’ is beginning to live up to the nickname.
“I’m feeling fitter and stronger than I’ve ever been,” Marshall told saints.com.au.
“I’ve always been pretty skinny, so this year I’ve been able to add a bit of size to my upper body. I still have a long way to go, but I’m getting there and am seeing results already."
He was one of St Kilda’s best against Adelaide, holding his own against Crows big man Sam Jacobs while making his impact around the ground and at ground level known.
While Jacobs’ experience showed as he got on top in the second half, there was plenty to like about Marshall’s performance.
The second-gamer limited Jacobs to three hit-outs to advantage, squaring the ledger by adding three of his own.
“That’s what I try and do most games - exploit the other ruckman and push down forward,” Marshall said.
“The coaches want me to compete in the ruck and follow up as soon as the ball hits the ground – whether that’s by blocking for my teammates, laying tackles or getting in the right spot to receive a handball.”
Senior Assistant Coach Rohan Welsh said his form was a testament to the way he had applied himself this pre-season.
“He’s always looking to do extra work at training, whether it’s goal kicking or working with the ruck coach,” Welsh said.
“His follow up now is second to none for a guy that is 200cm. He brings it to ground, gets after it and wants to tackle and chase.
“If you have a guy who’s that big and he’s putting pressure on as well, it’s worth its weight in gold.”
It's a sentiment shared by ruck coach Adam Skrobalak.
"Rowan has developed as a man and improved a lot with his aggression at the contest," Skrobalak said.
"He's done the extra work in the gym, so once you add strength and size to that you can see why he’s been given an opportunity.
"His first position is as a forward, so he uses that to his advantage. He’s a really strong mark and good at ground level, and we’re really happy with the way he competed around the ground."
After making his debut against the Swans in Round 18 last year, Marshall was made to wait until Round 3 to play his first home game at Etihad Stadium.
It was a special moment for his parents, who last year travelled from Portland, close to five hours away, every weekend to watch their son play in the VFL.
“They were both over the moon,” Marshall said.
“Mum and Dad went to pretty much every game last year, which is a pretty big effort coming from Portland.
"They couldn’t have been more supportive so far, so it was great to play for them”
Marshall was rewarded with a two-year contract extension last year that will keep him at RSEA Park until at least 2019.
