Date of Birth: 12 September, 2002
Height: 175cm
Weight: 72kg

Games MFC 2023: 23
Career Total: 47
 
Goals MFC 2023: 4
Career Total: 6
 
Games CDFC 2023: 1
Goals CDFC 2023: 0

The small defender who was the Demons’ good luck charm and won a flag in his debut season remains one of the classiest ball users at the club. Will we see a more versatile player in 2024?

As I've said before, Jake is being squeezed into a small defender role that just doesn't suit him. His disposal and decision making out of defence is great, but he is too often exposed defensively against good sides.

Hopefully Goodwin is prepared to give him a run on a wing or at half forward over the pre season and we can see what he looks like in a different role.

 

From all training reports Jake is ready to go for ‘24 he has the speed and skills to play in a multitude of roles, I am sure we will maximise his abilities.!!

Billings, McAdam, Tholstrup and Windsor all come in with pretty good height (185/186) and styles to match, which makes for interesting times for how we use our shorter players.

As others note, Bowey isn't the type to truly shut down an opposition small forward and he makes his best contribution as the calm head probing for cracks as we move the ball forward. If his fitness continues to build I'd love to see him moving up the ground a bit while retaining responsibility for getting back hard to defence and providing that lovely kick out of chaos and into a safe mark that settles things down.

I'm still left a little concerned about our ability to truly shut down fast, agile small forwards. Maybe Kynan Brown over time? By all reports he would have the mobility, tenacity and aggression for it.

Needs to be our “quarter back” this year.

He needs to use his elite kicking from defensive 50  and make that surgical pass into the middle of the ground to set up our next goal from defence.

I’ve got a feeling that he and Laurie are going to have big years.