Jack Bowes wants to play for Geelong in 2023 according to multiple reports, with the Cats beating numerous rival clubs for the talented Sun’s signature.
Essendon and Hawthorn had both put their interest in Bowes on the table but the 24-year-old has indicated a desire to get to the Cattery.
He’s owed in the range of $1.6 million over the next two years, with Gold Coast set to trade pick 7 in the deal for Bowes as an incentive to take on his hefty wages.
Bowes was a top-10 draft pick back in 2016 and would be more likely to walk into the starting 22s of Essendon and Hawthorn, but according to former Carlton list manager Stephen Silvagni, the Cats were the first to register an interest even before Bowes was on the trade table.
It’s believed to be the reason behind Bowes heading to Kardinia Park instead of Waverley or Tullamarine.
“My information that I’ve received is that the Cats had genuine interest in Bowes throughout the year, they were the first to approach his management group,” he told AFL Trade Radio’s The Late Trade upon learning of Bowes’ intentions.
“So you can probably understand why it wasn’t just about the pick, and that would come into the psyche of the player, thinking, ‘are they just coming after me for the pick involved?’
“I think the Cats have got genuine interest in the player and from afar, I think he’s made the right call.”
Bowes’ request is another big boost for Geelong, who won the 2022 premiership less than a fortnight ago, and are also likely to land Tanner Bruhn and Ollie Henry in trades from GWS and Collingwood respectively.
The next question for Bowes revolves around whether he can break into Geelong’s best side. He played just five AFL games for the Suns in 2022 after a shoulder injury interrupted the early part of his season but had previously been a consistent part of Stuart Dew’s best 22.
Silvagni believes Bowes will earn his spot under Chris Scott. As the Australian Football Hall of Famer notes, the Cats reset in 2022 with a number of new faces and believes the club may try to do the same again.
“I think there are opportunities. As well as the Cats were managed this year, they have got some ageing players and really I think you’ve got to bring in two or three players each year after you’ve won a flag,” Silvagni added.
“That doesn’t mean from other clubs but generally in your team. We were speaking this time last year that we thought the Cats were going to fall over in a sense because they’re too old, but the sprinkling of youth, two or three players here and there can just bring some more excitement and energy to the team.
“And competition is good amongst players and I think he can get a spot in that team.”
Bowes has primarily played off half-back in his 83 AFL games but was identified as a future midfielder earlier in his career. He averaged 15.6 disposals and 4.4 rebound 50s a game in 2022.