A year after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, Sam Rowe has earned an AFL contract extension from Carlton.

The Blues announced on Wednesday that they had given the forward a one-year extension that will tie him to the club until the end of next season.

Rowe recovered from his illness to make his senior debut in round two and he has played six matches.

With Carlton missing key forward Jarrad Waite through injury, Rowe kicked three goals and combined well with Lachie Henderson in Saturday night’s win over St Kilda.

“I must be doing something right,” Rowe told the club website.

“It’s not easy getting another contract, so I’m pretty proud … it’s quite satisfying and very rewarding.”

Sydney originally drafted Rowe as a rookie pick in 2006 and he spent two years at that club.

He then played for Norwood in the SANFL before the Blues recruited him with pick 44 in the 2011 national draft.

“Sam has been playing some consistent football for both the Northern Blues and most recently in the senior team,” Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said.

“We admire his competitiveness and the way he goes about his footy.”