Tara Murray
Through the highs and the lows in recent years for Lancefield, Matt Bowden has been one of the constants at Lancefield Park.
A passionate Tigers man, Bowden stuck strong with the club when many others walked away.
On Saturday, Bowden was the man of the moment as he celebrated game 250 with the yellow and black.
“It was a bit of a shock to be honest,” he said. “The last few years with injuries and COVID and things like that I didn’t think I’d get there.
“To get there at one club is a fair accomplishment, I’m pretty chuffed to get there.”
Bowden admits to thinking about walking about the last couple of years with his family, including two young boys, becoming the focus.
He said they were his biggest support in allowing him to keep playing.
Having been at the Tigers through the lows, Bowden admits that he did think about going elsewhere to taste some success.
He stuck around keen to help the club get back to where it once was.
“I did think about going elsewhere with how hard it has been,” he said. “
“I was around the club in 2009 when they won the premiership and I wanted to get that myself.
“I know now that I might not get it, but I want to make it a strong club that I can watch to have success when I’m older. That’s my role now.”
Bowden has captained the senior side and been appointed under-19s coach on several occasions, but the club hasn’t been able to field sides.
He said it was a shame that this year they again struggled to get the numbers.
“We always struggle with many playing at Assumption,” he said.
“We’ve got a few coming back through the club and a few debuts this year. One yesterday made their debut in my 250 game, two different ends of the scale.
“There is some good young talent coming through Lancefield.”
Bowden, who has also been a star cricketer for Lancefield, said this year was the best they had been looking for a number of years.
The Tigers have two wins on the board, but the scoreboard doesn’t reflect the whole story.
“Tim [Bannan] is doing a great job,” he said. “He’s new to the club this year and brought in a few new players.
“He hasn’t turned away the regular players and is looking after everyone. We’ve been more competitive, which has been noted.
“Moving forward, if we can keep the list we have and add a few more, we get push for finals next year.”
Bowden said he was hoping to be able to play on and be part of the process, but he is forever the team man.
“I’ll do whatever I can,” he said. “Whether it is playing, coaching, playing reserves or being a runner.”
On Saturday, the Tigers lost to Woodend-Hesket, 8.6 (54)-4.8 (32). Bowden was named amongst the best.
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