Lowah, Bowie might be joined by third sibling for the local Saints
When a pair of brothers turned up at AFL Cape York House from Badu Island almost a decade ago, they knew almost nothing about the Sherrin. The duo’s progression has now come full-circle.
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When brothers Tui Lowah and Timakoi Bowie turned up at AFL Cape York House from Badu Island almost a decade ago, they knew almost nothing about the Sherrin.
The duo’s progression has now come full-circle, first learning the game as 13 and 14-year-olds at the “House”, then playing NEAFL footy over the past few years and are now back together at Cairns Saints in 2020.
And, a third brother is now alongside the Torres Strait Islanders at Griffiths Park, Regan Bowie.
The smooth-moving Lowah has been in Saints’ colours since Round 1 and was joined by older brother “Timmy” as they knocked over Manunda last Saturday.
AFL Cape York regional manager Rick Hanlon, who has seen their growth first-hand, says Lowah and Timakoi are similar in some ways and opposite in others.
“They were not interested in AFL at the time, that is for sure, it was all new to them when they first turned up,” Hanlon said.
“They come from a very supportive family, which encouraged them to participate in sport.
“They are different in terms of their study and interests outside of footy, Timakoi is a real grinder and just works on stuff, but they together are really tough and competitors.”
Hanlon feels if Timmy had played the sport of Australian rules football from Auskick onwards, he was every chance to be in the AFL right now.
Those in high places at the Gold Coast Suns loved him, his work ethic and his attack on the footy, but his game sense and kicking let him down at times.
“They have a strong desire to compete, all of the brothers, they have always had that, it is just an ingrained attribute,” Hanlon said.
Over the past few weeks, Saints have welcomed back club juniors Riley Clarke, from Melbourne, and Bowie, who have chased higher honours down south over the past few years, and were back in red, white and black for the first time on Saturday.
Saints playing-coach Wes Glass knows how much the pair can add to their senior side and says it is special to see the three brothers training together, as well as getting Clarke, who trained with a VFL club over the summer, back to the club.
“It is good to have him around the boys and it is great for Timakoi and Tui playing together, and for the club,” Glass said.
“Hopefully with Timakoi, we can keep convincing him to play and he will be with us forever.
“Even his younger brother Regan Bowie played a game in the reserves the other week, so it is great to have all three brothers together.”
Saints will look to continue their unbeaten start to the 2020 season on Saturday at home to City Lions.
Originally published as Lowah, Bowie might be joined by third sibling for the local Saints