The Southern Saints have appointed Matt Cawley as AFL New Zealand Premiership Coach for the 2023 season with former New Zealand Falcon James Bowden in the Assistant Coaching role.
James Bowden, a new edition to the Saints group, has a strong association with the Premiership with the Cantabrian initially a member of the Central Giants set up for three seasons as a playing assistant coach. This was followed by on off filed role as head coach of the Northern Suns in the 2019 season.
Bowden was the leading goal kicker for the Giants during the inaugural premiership season and played a pivotal role on the field for the development of the Giants younger squad members.
His 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.
The coaching unit has access to good local coaching stocks within the local region with Andrew Leckie, Andrew Congalton and Adam Clarke all positioned to provide support in restricted capacities.
