BOWES FIRES UP FOR Q CLASH
JACK Bowes is one of the newcomers to the QClash but his experience and understanding of the Gold Coast and Brisbane rivalry runs as deep as any on either list.
In the same year the two teams began the QClash in 2011, Bowes was part of the Suns academy that started what would be a heated rivalry at all levels of Queensland’s only two AFL clubs.
The Cairns product never had to watch the on-field exchanges and off-field drama that has surrounded the derby from north Queensland after making the move south at the age of 13.
Instead he was part of something that has become one of the most significant drawcards for fans on both sides.
“For me it started in the academy games in under-14s as a bit of a rivalry there between the Suns and Lions,” Bowes said.
“That was always our biggest game and was pretty competitive. (Academy coach) Andrew Raines was an exLions player too and he wanted to go back and knock them off.
“There was always more hype around the joint.
“It just seems like no matter how the teams performed the week before, whenever the QClash comes around the sides give everything for those four points.”
Bowes had varied levels of success at academy level but despite featuring in both of last season’s AFL QClashes, including his Round 1 debut, the 20-year-old is yet to win one at the top level.
The talented ball user said there was no better time to record his first win over the Lions who now have a host of his former AFL academy teammates on the list including Hugh McCluggage, Ben Keays, Jarrod Berry, Jacob Allison, Eric Hipwood and Connor Ballenden.
“It’s disappointing I haven’t won one yet,” Bowes said.
“I know a few of the boys up there and it will add a bit of spice to the game.”
Bowes found himself on the wrong side of the Match Review Committee in Round 2 and served his first AFL suspension for flooring Carlton’s Jacob Weitering.
But he said there wasn’t but an added level of aggression to his game in 2018.
“I am fitter and stronger but I haven’t consciously gone out to be more aggressive. That is the way I play my footy and whatever happens, happens.”
WHENEVER THE QCLASH COMES AROUND THE SIDES GIVE EVERYTHING FOR THOSE FOUR POINTS JACK BOWES