Bowes set to live the dream with Suns

THE life-long dream is becoming very real for Queensland’s Jack Bowes.

The Cairns junior and Gold Coast Suns Academy product is one of 80 hopefuls attending the AFL’s Draft Combine in Melbourne where the next batch of young guns have their skills and physical capabilities tested every which way as well as meeting with club representatives.

Bowes was always going to find himself at the four-day meat market given he has been christened the ‘ Rolls Royce’ midfielder in the 2016 draft which will be held in Sydney on November 25.

He has starred for the Queensland under 18s, the Allies under 18s and the Gold Coast NEAFL side in 2016 when he also collected the best player for the division two national carnival and was the only Queenslander in the AllAustralian under 18 side.

The 188cm-tall Bowes was also chosen for the NAB under 18 All Stars match on grand final eve in Melbourne and had 23 silky possessions.

If he was not all but certain to be snapped up by the Suns as an academy selection, the Cairns Saints junior would be in the conversation about potential No.1 draft picks because of his clean hands, composure, versatility and ability to push forward and kick goals.

But he is still pinching himself that he is one step closer to becoming an AFL footballer.

“It’s really exciting to be down here because you dream about this stuff growing up. I always wanted to be a part of this,’’ Bowes said.

“I’m confident I can be above average in all of the tests but all I can do is give them my best shot.’’

A host of clubs have spoken to Bowes but the Suns are expected to pounce for their academy star.