Carlton’s Sam Rowe provided the AFL feel-good story as round one of the pre-season cup ended on Sunday in Blacktown.

Rowe’s first season with the Blues was put on hold last year when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, having found a small lump on his testicles in late April.

He completed a course of chemotherapy last year and on Sunday tackled Sydney and Greater Western Sydney looking to impress and put his hand up for an AFL debut.

The 25-year-old kicked two goals in the Blues’ two-point win over GWS, then outpointed Swans premiership defender Ted Richards in a handful of contests during the side’s 22-point win.

“It’s a good story for football,” new Carlton coach Mick Malthouse said of Rowe, who was rookie listed by the Swans but is yet to make his AFL debut.

“He probably thinks every day is a bonus.

“He attacks the ball hard, wants to play hard and wants to be an AFL footballer.

“A lot of things would’ve gone through his head last year and probably the last one was playing football.

“It was more about his health and being alive.”