One out of the box

Patrick Bowden is the fourth member of the family to wear the famous yellow and black. Father Mike was a dual Premiership player back in the 60's. Older brothers Kane and Sean tried their luck in the 80's and 90's. Kane never made the grade, but Sean managed 4 games. Joel has played nearly 200 games, is a member of the leadership group and has won 2 club best and fairests. Paddy didn't join older brother Joel at Tigerland when he first got into the AFL, he was drafted by the Western Bulldogs.

Patrick Bowden was an enigmatic player at the Doggies. He looked the goods and seemed to have all the tools to hold down a key position in a side not over endowed with height. For some reason he never quite seemed to put it together.

Richmond tried to draft Patrick across for the 2005 season, a move which would reunite him with his brother and his original coach Terry Wallace. Agreement could not be reached and the Bulldogs hung onto him for another year. During trade period Richmond gave the Bulldogs a late pick in exchange for Patrick. It seemed to be a good trade.

Patrick had a promising pre season and was one of the few players who had a real go in the Rd 1 debacle against his old side. Again on Friday night Paddy stood up, this time at Centre Half Forward, he marked strongly, led well, put his body on the line, kicked 3 goals, one of which is a contender for goal of the year, and narrowly missed 2 more. Richmond has needed a viable presence at CHF for some years and Patrick Bowden has put himself forward for that role. Friday night was Paddy's best game, I don't think it will be the last time it happens.

So there you have it.