Bowles leading the charge
JIMMY Barnes’ 1985 release of Working Class Man may have preceded the sporting career of Alex Bowles by decades, but there’s little dispute the famous Aussie anthem is a good fit for the big-hearted medium pacer from St Joseph’s.
Not only does the blue-collar 28-year-old shoulder the ruck duties for the Thomson Tigers in the GDFNL, often forced to combat and out-muscle taller opponents, he’s also been thrust into the spotlight as the man at the forefront of the rebuilding of the St Joseph’s bowling department.
“I’ve gone from fourth or fifth option with the ball to the first with the retirements of Trent (Walerys), Sam (McTaggart), Gilly (Francis Gill) and Morgo (David Morgan),” Bowles said.
“It’s certainly a very different bowling group to what we’ve been used to over the last five or so years.
“I love opening the bowling, I’ve played a fair bit of twos cricket in that role, so getting the opportunity to do it as GCA firsts level is great.”
Similarly to last season’s return, that yielded a five-wicket haul against South Barwon in the shadows of Christmas, the medium pacer burst back into the top tier against North Geelong on Saturday, claiming 5-43 from a marathon 27.5 over spell.
“It was a bit of a tough day (against North), but it was good to get a reward.”
Bowles’ round three return to first X1 cricket followed 2-26 from his 10-over allotment in the seconds the previous game, after missing the season-opener due to a less-than-conventional preparation, including a trip to Las Vegas.
“It was just with a group of mates, it was good to get away after the footy season and rest the body,” Bowles said. “I’m feeling pretty refreshed now.”
And while there’s no guarantee of unearthing the next Damian DeGrandi, Bryan Thomas or Trent Walerys from the new clutch of Saints bowlers, Bowles has embraced combining his own new-ball status with a role as a mentor.
“We’ve had some strong leaders who have played a high level of cricket up until this year and then all of a sudden they’re all gone,” he said.
“I’ve got a pretty good relationship with Harry Walker, Aussie (Austin) and Gus (Angus) Humphrey, and even Fletch Wilson and Paddy De Grandi, the boys coming through the twos now.
“Most of them are all quicker than me and they’ve probably got better actions, but if I can take a bit of pressure off them and help them during the week I’d love to do that.”