Jaye’s latest claim to Fame

HE’S one of the greatest footballers to have played for Glenorchy, and now the club has recognised that by inducting Jaye Bowden into the Magpies’ Hall of Fame. He is the first inductee to receive the honour while still playing.

JAYE Bowden’s standing as one of the greatest footballers to have represented Glenorchy has been further enhanced following his induction into the Magpies’ Hall of Fame.

In doing so the TSL star has created club history by becoming the first Hall of Fame inductee to earn the honour while still playing.

The 30-year-old star, who has played 237 games and kicked 531 goals — earlier this year he joined Peter Hudson as the only Pies to kick more than 500 goals — was also one of the first two TSL life members alongside administrator Wayne Povey at the awards dinner a fortnight ago.

Bowden has one of the longest resumés in Tasmanian football history, which includes a record six club best-and-fairest awards, three premierships, three Alastair Lynch Medals as the State League’s best player, three Hudson Medals (leading goalkicker) and nine TSL team of the year appearances.

“It’s a little bit strange, I just don’t know too many people who achieve it when they play,” Bowden (pictured right) said of the humbling achievement.

“I don’t really know what to think of it, I’m obviously pretty proud but normally it happens when you’re done, it does make me feel a bit old I suppose.

“I’m just lucky enough to be awarded something like this while I’m still going, I don’t really know what to say about it because no one has done it before.”

While Bowden was shocked when told of the news at Glenorchy’s recent best-and-fairest count, coach Paul Kennedy said there was no player more deserving to create club history.

Bowden’s official induction will take place at the Hall of Fame dinner on November 15.

“It’s obviously a huge honour in terms of making that decision because the people involved know the history of this club inside out,” Kennedy said.

“You talk to them about guys pre-war and they’ll give you all that sort of history, so this isn’t something they’ve done lightly.

“They’ve really assessed everything that he’s achieved for the club and decided that now’s the time.

“I don’t think anyone’s going to argue with that are they, his list of achievements are quite incredible.”