JACK WANTS LIONS TO BOWES DOWN BEFORE HIM
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 player 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 his home in north Queensland, because he was amongst it after making the move south at the age of 13.
He has been around what has become one of the most
significant drawcards for fans on both sides since it all began.
“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 ex-Lions 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 mates on the list including Hugh McCluggage, Ben Keays, Jarrod Berry, Jacob Allison and Eric Hipwood.
There are only two teams in Queensland, you want to be the one winning JACK BOWES
“It’s disappointing I haven’t won one yet,” Bowes said.
“It would be a cool experience after two disappointing efforts last year.
“There are only two teams in Queensland, you want to be the one winning.
“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 panel in Round 2 and served his first AFL suspension for flooring Carlton’s Jacob Weitering.
He found himself having flashbacks after giving away a couple of free kicks against West Coast.
Bowes said the incidents hadn’t come down to a new level of aggression as he goes into a game that has a history for rubbing out players.
“Sitting out and watching the game was more frustrating and I got more anxious watching them play because you can’t control anything,” Bowes said.
“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.” EXTRA SPICE: Suns young gun Jack Bowes.