Bowes in control on debut
THAT was not a night the Bowes family will forget anytime soon.
In front of almost 50 family and friends, Cairns Saints junior Jack Bowes fulfilled his childhood dream as he made his AFL debut for the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday night.
Although his Suns could not record a Round 1 triumph, beaten 15.8 (98) 14.12 (96) by neighbours Brisbane Lions, the 19-year-old showed his poise and skill in his first game.
The clever Far North junior collected 11 touches, six kicks and five handballs, took three marks and laid three tackles in an encouraging debut.
Jack’s father, Wayne Bowes, said it was a proud moment for the family to see him complete his ambition.
“It is funny when you watch the big stuff instead of junior footy, you need the oxygen mask at times,” Wayne said.
“His mum, Collette, was pretty emotional but she handled it well.
“All the family was there, we had people from Melbourne up, people from Cairns came down, there was almost 50 we knew with us, which is good.
“He handled himself pretty well, we were rapt, really proud. He did not look out of place out there.”
The Suns handed debuts to Ben Ainsworth, Bowes, Michael Barlow, Jarrod Witts and Jarryd Lyons, with all five presented with their guernseys in the rooms before the game.
Suns Academy head coach Andrew Raines, who coached Bowes through his juniors, presented him with his guernsey, passing over the number 29, which Raines wore in his playing days.
“You have got silky skills, everyone knows that about you, you have got poise,” Raines said before he handed the number 29 over. “Your dedication and commitment has stood out.
“You are in for an exciting and prosperous career.”
Jack receiving his guernsey from Raines was a highlight of the night, according to Wayne.
“We will never forget a night like that, we were in the rooms before the game when they presented his jumper,” Wayne said.
“That was a highlight, it was pretty emotional
“Jack was rapt because Raines has played a big part of his development so that was special.”