Ned Bowman’s footy pedigree set to help him live up to the pressure of No.23 jumper

Ned Bowman has footy in his blood. His father Lachy was a SANFL star with Norwood who drove 500km a game to play. Now, he’s tipping his son to embrace the pressure of inheriting Lance Franklin’s number.

The Bowman name carries a fair bit of weight in South Australia, particularly around Norwood.

Throughout the 1990s, Lachy Bowman – also affectionately known as the “Wizard” – played 150 games for the Redlegs.

He would regularly make the 500-kilometre round trip from the family farm at Orroroo to play for Norwood, with no sacrifice too big for his footy career.

During his time at the club, he won an elusive SANFL premiership in 1997, as well as premierships at the under-17, under-19, and reserves levels.

But now he’s looking forward to taking a front-row seat as his son, Ned, prepares to surpass his exploits already.

Lachy Bowman takes a mark while playing for Norwood.

Selected by the Sydney Swans with pick 26 of the 2024 draft, Ned has already impressed during his first pre-season at the club.

His forward craft is strong and his goalkicking ability has been on display during the intra-club matches.

And despite the extra pressure of becoming the first player since Buddy to wear the No.23 at the Swans, which he was officially awarded at the club’s guernsey presentation on Monday night, the ones who know him best get a sense he’s ready to live up to the expectation.

“We knew that Ned is the type of character that can just take a number like that and make it his own,” Lachy Bowman said.

Bowman has inherited the No.23 jumper from Lance Franklin.

“And it’s special here at this footy club, with Buddy having it before. But we weren’t shocked (he took it) and we’re excited about it.

“We’ve been so proud since he got drafted. To come to a club like Sydney is fantastic. It’s got a reputation in the AFL of being a successful club, but also one that looks after their players as most come from interstate.

“(My wife) Jodie and I knew that he had some ability, something special. So, it’s great someone else thinks so and hopefully he can play at the highest level at some stage.”

Ned Bowman and his new No.23 jumper with parents Lachy and Jodie at the Swans Guernsey Presentation night. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Ned’s parents have been instrumental in his football journey.

He’s had the chance to grow up in an environment surrounded by professional athletes and it’s inspired him to make the most of every opportunity thrown his way.

“(My parents are) the pillars of my life at this point,” Ned said.

“I really lean on mum and dad, they’ve both players professional sports so I listen to what they have to say.

“(Their biggest advice) is to be yourself. Go out there and show what you can do. You’ve got to play your team role at the start, but also show what you can do when your chance comes.”

A glimpse of Ned’s junior footy career suggests that he isn’t afraid of grabbing the headlines either. The teenager took a stunning mark for the Norwood under-18s last season, with his hangtime going viral around the country.

His mum, Jodie, reckons that could just be the start of what’s to come.

“Now’s the start of something really exciting for the future,” she said.

“Having that number on your back brings a lot of excitement to it, and that’s one of the things I’ve loved about Ned’s football is he brings an excitement factor to the game.

“He’s really put in the hard yards. No journey in sport is easy, he’s had to work for it and he’s had setbacks. But he’s had a goal and he’s been able to achieve it.

“My brother played under-19s (footy) here in Sydney, so my family were excited this is where he ended up. It sort of ties the loop up a little bit.”

Bowman has already impressed during his first few months in the red and white. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Bowman was one of seven new Swans presented with their inaugural guernseys on Monday night. The key theme of the night was embracing the disappointment of their grand final performance while recognising how strong their overall performances were throughout the year.

“I stand in front of a team and a club that has the hunger to push again,” captain Callum Mills said.

“The commitment to chase it down, and most importantly, a collective spirit to do it together.”

“I believe this team can do wonderful things,” new head coach Dean Cox added.

“We cannot lose sight of the football this team can play at its best. 2024 is in the rear view mirror. We learn and intend to grow as all 18 teams step up to the starting line equal.”

Originally published as Ned Bowman’s footy pedigree set to help him live up to the pressure of No.23 jumper