Ex-Richmond player Joel Bowden elected as Labor MLA in Darwin

He played 265 games in a decorated career for Richmond but Joel Bowden is now doing something completely different with his life and you’ll never guess what it is.

Joel Bowden during his playing days with Richmond. Picture: Faith Moran

Joel Bowden was always destined for something meaningful in life, and that’s not to belittle a 265-game career with Richmond that boasted two best and fairests and two All-Australian selections.

Bowden, 41, was last weekend elected as a Labor MLA in Darwin after he won the Johnston by-election to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.

Jon Anderson: Congratulations Joel, now for a full election on August 22.

Joel Bowden: At least I get five months to understand the mechanics of Government.

JA: Were politics ever on your radar?

JB: I always had a view to the future. It got me into trouble at the club sometimes because I always said football is a finite career. I studied and did an MBA after footy finished 10 years ago. It was geared towards a job that I termed significant.

Watch every match of the Marsh Community Series AFL pre-season comp LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Joel Bowden during his playing days with Richmond. Picture: Faith Moran

JA: Your dad Michael, who played in Richmond’s 1969 premiership team, must be very proud.

JB: Unfortunately with motor neurone disease his voice box has deteriorated. He actually got off his death bed, being in hospital for two nights before the election with pneumonia. But he got home on the day of the election and was very happy. When the result was declared he and the family joined me.

JA: Where are your siblings?

JB: All here. Sean has his own law firm in Darwin, Rhett is principal at a high school up here, Kane runs a not-for-profit organisation called Killara which is housing for indigenous people, Patrick is working in remote communities helping young indigenous transition into schools in Melbourne, while Majella is a mum now after just completing her masters in education.

Bowden with his father Michael after winning the seat of Johnston. Picture: Glenn Campbell

MORE NEWS:

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley reveals lessons learned from spending off-season with English rugby team

KFC SuperCoach: Every score from Marsh Community Series week 3

AFLW: All the results and match reports from Round 5

JA: What areas does Joel Bowden the politician focus on?

JB: Three — community, sport and family because they encompass everything. My family is an inspiration to me. I want to contribute significantly to the Territory.

JA: Which politicians do you look up to?

JB: The three great Labor leaders of our time — Bob Hawke, Paul Keating and Bill Kelty. Bill has been a great mentor.

FOOTY TIPS! Join Australia’s best footy tipping competition for your chance to win big. Add our experts to your league and join now at TIPS.COM.AU