The underperforming Suns (4-3) made five changes for the match, with Rowell the most notable out.
The 24-year-old missed the start of the season due to the broken finger he picked up while representing Victoria in State of Origin, but his latest injury isn't considered serious.
Ruckman Jarrod Witts and Zeke Uwland will also miss the match as the Suns manage their loads, while Jed Walter and Jake Rogers were omitted.
Into the side come Ned Moyle, Alex Davies, Sam Clohesy, Joel Jeffrey and Lachlan Gulbin.
GWS made two changes, with ruckman Kieren Briggs replacing the injured Nick Madden (knee), while defender Joe Fonti comes in for Ollie Hannaford (dropped).
Sydney have been boosted by the return of star midfielder Isaac Heeney (calf) for Sunday's clash with Melbourne at the SCG.
Lewis Melican replaces Tom McCartin (knee), while Harry Cunningham was dropped.Â
Melbourne welcome back Harrison Petty after the defender recovered from a suspected vestibular migraine that caused his bout of dizziness against Brisbane a fortnight ago.
Patrick Cross also returns, with Jai Culley (knee) and Xavier Taylor (omitted) going out.
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