[1] A tall (198 cm) and solidly built player, Rowe played his junior career predominantly as a ruckman and key forward.

He spent two seasons on the rookie list with Sydney, but failed to gain AFL selection, and was delisted at the end of 2007.

[7] After being selected irregularly as a forward during 2013, Rowe had a breakout season in 2014 when he earned a regular place in the Carlton team as a permanent tall defender – a position he had never previously played.

[8] His performances were strong enough for him to finish fifth in the best and fairest,[9] and was elevated to the five-man leadership group in the 2015 season,[10] and was a key member of the Carlton backline over the following years.

Rowe suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Round 9, 2017, and missed the remainder of the 2017 season.