Geelong Cats: Jack Bowes ready for regular football

Geelong utility Jack Bowes believes his versatility has made him an important asset to the Cats’ playing group as he eyes off more full games off the back of a calf injury.

Jack Bowes. Picture: Michael Klein

Geelong utility Jack Bowes believes his versatility has made him an important asset to the Cats’ playing group as he eyes off more full games off the back of a calf injury.

One of the newest Cats, who moved from the Gold Coast Suns in the off-season, played his first full game since round 6 after being the activated substitute for the previous three weeks.

Bowes said the shift back into the starting 22 was welcomed, but time spent as the substitute allowed him to train strongly after missing five weeks of senior footy through injury.

Jack Bowes has struggled with injury in his first season in Geelong. Picture: Michael Willson

“It’s part of the game I hadn’t really experienced before but I was sub for three weeks in a row, it does take a bit of adjusting,” he said.

“You just need to stay patient, live in the moment and try to get the most out of myself each week.

“It actually gave me a pretty good opportunity to get some extra running out on the track and train a little harder and get some extra touch in, and focus on my game a bit more throughout the week.

“Then I just had to wait for my opportunity to get a full game, so that’s been nice to get.”

Bowes was traded to Geelong, along with the seventh selection in the 2022 national draft, in an effort made by the Suns to shed his two-year, $1.6 million contract.

The Cairns product has been used in the midfield as well as both defence and attack, and said he was slowly adapting to a new way of life in Geelong.

Jack Bowes had 25 disposals and 10 marks against North Melbourne. Picture: Darrian Traynor

“It’s taken some adapting, it’s so different, it’s my first winter ever, so that’s one thing I didn’t think I’d need to adapt to but I do,” he said.

“ There’s also adapting to different grounds, different surfaces, there’s a completely different system and style in place as well so I’ve had to learn that.

“I’m still trying to build connections and make sure life off the field is settled as well, there’s a lot of really talented younger boys who are that next generation of gun players at the club, they’re all building and trying to push their way into the side with the senior boys.

“I don’t mind being moved around the ground a lot, I feel like it adds a lot of variety and you get to learn the game in different roles, you learn the system a bit easier and a bit quicker rather than being pigeonholed into one position.

“Hopefully I can give myself a chance in any position the coaches trust me to play.”

Originally published as Geelong Cats: Jack Bowes ready for regular football