Gold Coast SUNS Academy product Jack Bowes has certainly been ticking off the milestones over the past four months.
In November 2016, Scott Clayton selected Bowes with pick No. 10 in the National Draft to officially welcome him to Metricon Stadium, he has successfully completed his maiden pre-season campaign and last week, the 19-year-old signed a two-year contract extension to tie his future down on the Gold Coast until the end of 2020.
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With the opening round of the 2017 AFL Premiership Season kicking off on Thursday, Bowes has reached his greatest achievement so far; confirmed for a round one AFL debut against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.
Given Bowes has been involved with the SUNS since the age of 13, this day has been a long time coming and the Cairns junior can’t wait to run through the banner as a senior Gold Coast player for the first time.
“Through the Academy you’re always looking up to the senior boys and wishing you’re out there one day on Metricon, obviously representing the SUNS, so to get that opportunity will be great and looking forward to it,” Bowes told SUNS TV.
The teenage prodigy revealed he has known for a week now that he would be playing in this weekend’s QClash and was caught off guard with the news by veteran mentor Rodney Eade.
“Last Thursday he (Rocket) came into the gym and said ‘I need to see you in the office after your workout’,” Bowes said.
“I was a bit worried actually; I didn’t know what to expect, I thought I might have done something wrong. Went in there and first thing he said when I got in there was congratulations, go out there and enjoy it and soak it up.
“Everyone remembers their debut so hopefully it’ll be a good one."
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There will plenty of support in the stands for the Queenslander on Saturday night, with family and friends coming from all over Australia to cheer him on including his parents Wayne and Collette, who have been with him every step of the way.
When asked what he hopes to take out of the game, Bowes’ humility comes to the fore, putting the team first over his own aspirations. While he’s keen to soak up the atmosphere and experience and play his role, four premiership points for the team is the number one priority for the composed teenager.
“Hopefully get a win first, that would be the number one thing on my mind. Go out there and obviously compete and try get a win for the boys to start the season well.”
