Joel Bowden
By Chris Greenway

Mike Bowden isn't a player I remember, he gave it away before I was old enough to remember him. He only played 60 or 70 games, but 2 of those were Premierships, so he must have done something right. When he finished playing he moved to the Northern Territory and began raising footballers. His 2 eldest sons: Kane and Sean tried out with Richmond and neither really made the grade, although Kane played a couple of senior games. It wasn't until Joel arrived at Punt Rd that we had a regular senior selection with the name Bowden. He came of age against West Coast one night when he kicked 5 goals and broke his collarbone in the same match.

Joel is one of the most complete players that I have ever seen, it's a pity he's not quite key position height. It is this completeness that makes him so frustrating, he can do everything and control a game himself, but so rarely does. He has a lovely long kick and great hands, but he so often kicks over the head of his teammates or kicks to an opponent or misses the easy shot at goal. Due to Joel's great skills and ability it seems like it's just too easy to coast along. We're fed up and we're frustrated and Joel should be put on notice this year to get his act together or start looking for a new club.