EFL: 2021 Mulgrave leading-goalkicker Tom McGowan “a possibility” to return, coach says

It has been a hot month for the Lions having won five on the bounce – but they could be welcoming back a star forward. Latest here.

One of the form sides of the Eastern league’s Division 2 may be about to get even stronger.

Mulgrave could welcome back 2021 leading goalkicker Tom McGowan after departing interstate for work ahead of this season.

A transfer has been approved from WA-based club Bruce Rock where he’s played this year.

McGowan has a long history with Mulgrave having topped its senior goalkicking in 2016 after featuring in an under-19 flag in 2014 with 73 majors.

He was an integral part of the Lions last season with 31 goals from 12 matches, culminating in Division 2 Team of the Year selection.

Gun forward Tom McGowan is a possibility to return this season, the coach says. Picture: Supplied

The forward also enjoyed a stint with Alberton league club Foster, where he featured in a senior premiership and topped the competition goalkicking in 2019.

It would be a further lift for Mulgrave, currently on a five-match winning streak.

Senior coach Ryan Webster said McGowan put in a strong pre-season with the Lions before shifting interstate – but his current work situation may allow him to line up for the club this season.

“There’s a possibility he might be able to play some games for us, so it’d be silly of us not to have the clearance put in just in case,” Webster said.

“Obviously Tom is a Mulgrave boy, he loves the club, it’s his home.

“It’s probably more a just-in-case-thing more than anything … until he left to go to work, he didn’t miss a session.”

McGowan kicked a leading 31 goals from 12 matches last season. Picture: Mulgrave FC

The Lions sit in fourth spot on the ladder with a 5-3 record and have been spearheaded by youth and experience.

Veteran Adam Booth has kicked 24 goals from seven matches and is “definitely the fittest I’ve seen him in my three years”, the coach says.

Webster added Booth had benefitted from improved ball movement and a break in the past two Covid-interrupted seasons.

“There’s not many defenders that can defend Adam Booth on a lead, or one-out with a kick to advantage, and we’ve been lucky enough this year to move the ball a lot better what we have done and what we had planned,” Webster said.

“The 12 games in two years prior to this year have probably done him a favour, with his body being a bit more fresh.”

Midfielder Griffin James has also been one of the standouts having played every match.

“He’s probably one of the most underrated players in the competition if I’m being honest,” Webster said.

“He’s been in our best players every week … he’s definitely been a shining light for us, he very rarely loses a one-on-one contest and is a tackling-machine that runs hard both ways.

“If we give him a job like he has done where he’s locked down on a dangerous player, he’s passed with flying colours.”

Griffin James (far left) in action for Mulgrave. Picture: Ashlee Bieniak

Meanwhile, defender Jack Davidson has relished more time through the midfield, adding an attacking edge to his game. He’s featured in the Lions’ best on five occasions from eight appearances.

“It (midfield time) has allowed him to grow in confidence and grow in stature as a player to be able to play multiple positions for us, and it’s reaping rewards for him,” Webster said.

Mulgrave takes on The Basin this weekend before clashing with current top-five sides Boronia, Ringwood and East Burwood after the Queen’s Birthday bye.

“The back-half of this season across the whole division is going to be super-tough, I think,” Webster said.

“There’ll definitely be some results that could go either way when the draw evens itself out after the Queen’s Birthday bye.”