Former New Zealand Hawk James Bowden will be listed in the AFL New Zealand National Draft for the 2016 AFL New Zealand Premiership Season.
Bowdens experience will be targeted by every team as they work towards creating a make up that can provide a potent forward line. Where Bowden lines up will be determined by his respective coach but in a competition where there are limitations on available goal kickers it is hard to see him venturing outside this role.
Bowdens career has seen him participate in in three International Cup campaigns including a ‘Best on Ground’ performance in New Zealand’s only victorious International Cup victory on the MCG against Papua New Guinea. National Provincial Championship victories with the Canterbury Cobras and a multitude of premierships in the CAFL with the Eastern Blues are also credits on his report card.
Bowden was keen to provide an influence for the 2016 AFL New Zealand Premiership in its first year.
“I’m glad the Premiership is here. This will provide a great back drop in preparing New Zealand’s best team at the 2017 International Cup. I’ve seen a lot of work go towards the development of junior talent over the past few years and its great that they now have the opportunity to feed through local clubs on to a quality competition.”
Bowden will be able to provide leadership along with the ability to present as a line coach to utilize his experience. His previous alignment with Western Crows coach Rob Malone and Southern Saints coach Andrew Congalton could be a determining factor in draft selection.
Related stories:
New AFL competition to hit New Zealand
Hawthorn FC International Scholarship holder signs
Southern Saints leader announced
Central Giants pick up Rattenbury
Kusel to shine as Northern Suns leader
Western Crows Captain announced
Southern Saints to be guided by Andrew Congalton
Rob Malone to coach Western Crows
Shannon Wall takes on the Central Giants
Chris “Junior” Mundell to guide Northern Suns
