Title says it all

As good as he played, and has been playing this year, I was most impressed with his assertive and mature handling of Petty's episode - wasting no time to call for assistance despite being a junior player.

His first qtr was probably his best quarter he has played

Saved an almost certain goal in the last quarter yesterday

So glad that DL is finally coming around to recognise his talent and contribution.

Several on here wanted him gone, like JJ and Bedford as other examples.

I still maintain he could play mid and forward:

Edited April 19Apr 19 by Redleg

Howes has come six a long way, I think he will play a lot of games for us.

Whilst he’s no all Australian - he’s a pretty solid player who shows calmness and composure.

Great to see!

7 minutes ago, Redleg said:

So glad that DL is finally coming around to recognise his talent and contribution.

Several on here wanted him gone, like JJ and Bedford as other examples.

I still maintain he could play mid and forward:

I dont recall anybody wanted him gone.

There were plenty who wondered whether he was up to it.

.

Edited April 19Apr 19 by Redleg

One of our most consistent and reliable all season. Feel safe as Howeses when he's around the ball.

6 minutes ago, Cranky Franky said:

I dont recall anybody wanted him gone.

There were plenty who wondered whether he was up to it.

He was described as fumbly, a panicker and a delist at end of season.

Merge this.

He’s great but we have one of these

1 hour ago, Redleg said:

He was described as fumbly, a panicker and a delist at end of season.

That's a far cry from your claim that "several wanted him gone" for which yu provided no evidence.

A big shout out again to Blake Howes. He was again one of our best players in the game v Tigers. Only one bad disposal but otherwise was composed with the footy, good decisions, tackled well and got the contest to spoil or pressure. He’s had a good season so far. 👏👏👏

Maybe our best and most reliable defender so far this year?

Wasn't expecting him to be a best 22 lock this season but here we are.

1 minute ago, Demon Jack said:

Maybe our best and most reliable defender so far this year?

Wasn't expecting him to be a best 22 lock this season but here we are.

lever would like a word, i would think

without an ankle niggle he's been back to his best in 2026

Blake has become super reliable. Plays "above his height".

His save, with Kolt, in the dying minutes of the Bears game was very mature and considered.

Judd McWho???

Howes filling that role perfectly!

19 minutes ago, Travy14 said:

Judd McWho???

Howes filling that role perfectly!

Provides more drive than Judd too

I always held out hope that he would show the sort of form he is currently - had good attributes - strong overhead, nice kick, decent speed for size. The more attacking style of defence looks to suit him (and others) better. Also can't help wondering if the absence of May has had a calming effect on the back 6/7 - there looks like a lot less yelling, bad body language and pointing going on. Not having a crack at May - I just think the younger players might be feeling more confident and less worried about getting it wrong now.

I watched a couple of his u/18 games in his draft year and was very pleased when we drafted him as I thought he had a bit of class about him. I thought he’d be a metres gained type HF who could mark, run and kick with penetration.

Didn’t think he’d evolve into a backman. Credit to Goody. We needed a Pig replacement and Howes was persisted with. His ability to stay calm and attack when required has been really pleasing. He would be in the top 10 players picked every week due to his flexibility.

Rarely loses a one on one and very calm with the ball under pressure with smart ball use.

I'm a fan. Love a good role player that you can just set and forget about for the next 10 years (hopefully)

The calmness and confidence with ball in hand on full display Friday night.

Should’ve mentioned, he has really improved his timing when leaving his man to help others. You can see it at the game.

He's so much more effective since he shaved off the dirty moustache. It makes him more streamlined and better balanced.

5 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

He's so much more effective since he shaved off the dirty moustache. It makes him more streamlined and better balanced.

My missus reckons the Dees have some pretty rough heads with worse hair styles and facial hair.

Langford is in the gun. As is Kolt.

I like crappy facial hair and horrific haircuts on the lads. Use it while you’ve got it. Unless it impacts or inhibits their play like it did with Howes!