2022 Player Reviews: #17 Jake Bowey

[Demonland 70,458]

The small defender known for his efficient ball use was Melbourne’s lucky charm for 17 consecutive games from the time he made the team late in 2021 until Round 11, 2022. Finally ran out of luck and was omitted late in the season. Still considered vital to the team’s chances going forward.

"After winning a premiership in his seventh game last year, Bowey was named Melbourne’s best young player in his second season in the AFL. Bowey played 17 games for the Demons in 2022, earning a Rising Star nomination for his career-best 34-disposal performance in round 2 against Gold Coast. Signed a two-year contract extension at the end of last year." - Herald Sun

Date of Birth: 12 September 2002
Height: 176cm
Weight: 72kg

Games MFC 2022: 17
Career Total: 24

Goals MFC 2022:  2
Career Total: 2

Games CDFC 2022: 4
Goals CDFC 2022:  2

[Bay Riffin 1,454]

we need this blokes kicking skills in the side. Had a small lapse then fired up again and couldnt get back in. it beffudled me as to why when those in the firsts were not performing that well (e.g salem)

[dazzledavey36 53,207]

I want him playing further up the field where he was an absolute gun as a junior. 

Wingman/half forward would be my pick for Bowey next year. 

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,471]

Was correctly dropped after the Geelong loss.

Was incorrectly left out of the side for 5 weeks and then the finals IMO as our coaching staff persisted with almost the same line up week in week out.

His start to the season was very good and had an outstanding 34 possession game against GC which surprisingly didn't get him a Brownlow vote.

I expect him to be back in the side for round 1.

[RedBlueandTrue 359]

That game against gc was incredible. 18 of his 34 contested and at 79% - absolutely cleaned up the back half of the ground on a very greasy day. Lost form as he tired but should have come back in when we were clearly struggling defensively at ground level. Wonderful player. 

[Lord Travis 10,516]

Second year blues for mine. He was decent at the start of the year but was deservedly dropped mid late season. He doesn’t really impact games at he moment, and I don’t think half back suits him due to his lack of size and foot speed. If he was quick then I’d say fine, but for a small player he’s not got good acceleration and relies on footy smarts to create space. He’s also not great defensively, hence why Hunt relaxed him.

He played half forward and wing as a junior and excelled there. I’d like to see him trialed in the front half of the ground where he become more offensive and not worry as much about a direct opponent. He’s still very young and I think he’ll have a good career, but I’d hope he cements a spot and starts impacting games or he might get passed by others. 

[Demon Jack 6,759]

4 minutes ago, RedBlueandTrue said:

That game against gc was incredible. 18 of his 34 contested and at 79% - absolutely cleaned up the back half of the ground on a very greasy day. Lost form as he tired but should have come back in when we were clearly struggling defensively at ground level. Wonderful player. 

Used his body cleverly in a couple of marking contests as well.

Faded mid year but has all but exceeded expectations for a second year player. Big pre season ahead for the young man.

[DeeZone 9,080]

Agree with all above he has had an outstanding start to his career and played some excellent footy. It was fun counting off his consecutive wins just a shame it had to end on 17. I am looking forward to seeing him front up in 2023 after another pre-season under his belt playing in our best 23.!!

[Redlagged 806]

Class player. Multiskilled and smart. Tougher than he looks. Better on a wing and - perhaps - an odd run on the ball (see him breaking away from the middle).

[adonski 10,977]

I would have liked to see him have stints on the wing next year, but bringing Hunter in probably changes that

Not sure I'd want to see him up forward, probably would get the Spargo treatment

[58er 6,067]

8 hours ago, Bay Riffin said:

we need this blokes kicking skills in the side. Had a small lapse then fired up again and couldnt get back in. it beffudled me as to why when those in the firsts were not performing that well (e.g salem)

Salem was injured !! 

[58er 6,067]

1 hour ago, adonski said:

I would have liked to see him have stints on the wing next year, but bringing Hunter in probably changes that

Not sure I'd want to see him up forward, probably would get the Spargo treatment

What ignored ? 
No he actually when you think about it he should be a first class improvement on Spargs who  plays a role but name one thing he does and try and say Bowser couldn't nearly double everything to the betterment of the team as well. 

Seems a no brainer to me Bowser should  be trialled at HFFlank. He won't be ignored  he will get the ball and use it more times than Spargs. 

[monoccular 17,345]

1 hour ago, 58er said:

Salem was injured !! 

Sure he was … but regardless he was under performing 

[layzie 33,277]

Disappointing that we barely saw him after he was dropped. THinm he could have offered something different at Wing/HFF. Expecting a big bounce in 2023.

[WalkingCivilWar 39,266]

His first 17 games were wins. Then came the loss to Freo in round 11, his first loss. I remember getting home really late that night, cold and tired and still super upset about the loss. Then @DubDeeposted this…

… and things didn’t seem that bad. 😂