Watsonia’s Ethan Lowe takes chance, winning NFNL Division 2 goalkicking award

Ethan Lowe came to Watsonia looking for an opportunity and the young forward’s memorable season culminated with a league goalkicking title.

Ethan Lowe in action for Watsonia. Picture: Field of View Photography

Like the many contested marks he took this season, Ethan Lowe took his opportunity with both hands.

A move to Watsonia over summer was about finding opportunity and it paid dividends for the young forward.

Given the keys to the Saints’ attack, Lowe kicked a career-best 57 goals to claim the NFNL Division 2 goalkicking title.

The 21-year-old spearhead finished 15 goals clear of the man he replaced – and reigning league-leading goalkicker – James Lucente at Thomastown, while Jacob Thompson was third with 37.

Lowe booted a season-high six goals in Round 2 against South Morang and Round 10 against St Mary’s.

Ethan Lowe celebrates a goal for Watsonia. Picture: Field of View Photography

He produced bags of five against Northcote Park, Diamond Creek, Laurimar and Thomastown and was held goalless only twice.

“It’s been good, I’ve enjoyed it, playing with my mates here at Watsonia,” Lowe said.

“(Opportunity) was what I was looking for this year.

“It’s been really good, it’s been tough, but I’ve enjoyed it.”

It’s the second time Lowe has won a league goalkicking medal after booting 56 goals in just nine goals for Preston Bullants’ under-19s.

He also kicked 22 goals in 12 Premier C matches, finishing the year with 82 goals, before joining Macleod for one year and netting 33 goals in six reserve grade games and 10 in 11 senior appearances.

With Watsonia’s season on the line on Saturday, Lowe stepped up when it mattered most.

With the game in the balance in the third quarter, he produced a moment of inspiration to spark the Saints.

Taking a handball up against the boundary line, he sliced between two Laurimar defenders and dribbled the ball through the big sticks from the most acute of angles.

Two goals and several contested marks in the fourth term ensured his club claimed a 22-point victory to remain in Division 2.

Lowe said he enjoyed the pressure of being the focal point.

“It was harder (at Macleod), playing with some big boys like Hurls (Michael Hurley),” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed it here and getting heaps of footy, which has been good.

“There’s been a few games were I’ve been able to get up the ground.

“It’s been really enjoyable getting more of the footy and using the ball well.

“We’ve stayed up and I’m looking forward to getting back into it.”

Despite Watsonia’s struggles, Lowe could be one of several Saints in the Team of the Year.

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He said delivery from midfielders Daniel Annetta and Mitch Brownhill was a major factor in his success in front of goal.

Luke Pantalone finished as the club’s second leading forward with 15 majors, while Annetta bagged 14.

Lowe’s win continues Watsonia’s strong recent goalkicking.

It’s the second title in a row after Lucente booted 59 goals in the home-and-away season last year and finished with 61, while Kyle Wheatley finished fifth in 2022 with 43 majors.