Player Watch Billy Dowling - Re-Signed to End of 2026

[BRL121]

The thing I like about him is his game is so well rounded already. You could put him in multiple positions and expect him to perform.
Hard to put a player comparison on him, he's quite unique.

He looks to have skill to me. He did some very strong handballs on the weekend and lowered his head and delivered the ball precisely to many of our goalkickers.

 

[Thylacinus]

I remember Hamish Ogilvie saying that they think that they have snared a smokie with Billy at this pick.

 

[George Kramer]

Do we do any highlights of individual players?

 

[Alwaysacrow]

What number is he? Next time I watch our 2nds I'll keep an eye out for him.

 

[Anzacpaul]

What number is he? Next time I watch our 2nds I'll keep an eye out for him.

Billy Dowling | AFL

Follow Billy Dowling's progress through AFL

www.afc.com.au

 

[Scorpus]

Two year contract extension

 

[1990crow]

Two year contract extension

Looks a player. Big preseason ahead to add size.

 

[adelaidecrows]

Looks a player. Big preseason ahead to add size.

Should he get a game if we offer an extension?

 

[1990crow]

Should he get a game if we offer an extension?

What?

 

[Ciao Giacomo]

Billy is developing nicely.

He is not far from an AFL debut. The resurgence of Schoenberg and Berry will probably mean it is not this year.

 

[Rory Walkerfield]

Good signing. Has been impressive enough in the sanfl.

 

[1990crow]

Kicking needs some refinement, has a tendency to get under his kicks especially when going long but looks a player for sure.

I think that's a bit of a fitness thing. Does it when he's rushed because he doesn't have the gas to break out into space.

 

[BRL121]

Kicking needs some refinement, has a tendency to get under his kicks especially when going long but looks a player for sure.

His kicking seems to have regressed during the year. At the start of the year, he cooly found a target most of the time.

 

[Firewalker]

I mean

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[1990crow]

I mean

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Is that an AFL standard camera?

 

[The Perfect Stranger]

It's a dead rubber, get him in Nicks you hack.

 

[The Smith Revolution]

He is the future, let him play. Point is his form as a 19 yo in first year of men’s football points to a long successful career. there is no other conclusion

 

[crowholder]

Great game in the SANFL today. His best so far. Pushing for an AFL debut

 

[adelaidecrows]

There is not much more this kid can do at Sanfl level. He needs AFL time.

Playing consistently and he isn't even 20 and one of the premier mids in the competition at Sanfl level. Having him spend another week in the Sanfl is just wasting his time and showing we have no interest in actual development.

 

[Jarman3]

Surely Crouch getting a week creates the opportunity for Dowling now?

 

[cleanhands]

Surely Crouch getting a week creates the opportunity for Dowling now?

It’s perfect timing

 

[Pugsley]

It’s perfect timing

They won't do it.

 

[huludicidal]

Surely Crouch getting a week creates the opportunity for Dowling now?

Realistically, all Crouch being suspended does is clear a path for Berry to be elevated from sub to Crouch’s normal role, so there’s a sub vacancy.

Nicks has shown a strong dislike for debutants starting in the sub vest (can’t remember the last time he’s done this, if ever), so I doubt that happens. Pedlar, Sholl and McHenry are by far the most likely sub candidates against Essendon. Cook would be a chance also.

Dowling’s best hope of debuting against the Bombers is replacing McHenry in the 22. McHenry is absolutely going to be dropped (either to sub, or the SANFL), so there’s a starting 22 spot there. One of Pedlar, Dowling or Sholl will take that spot. It doesn’t necessarily mean Dowling plays exactly the same ROLE as McHenry (don’t even ask me what that role is, I am still recovering from having the misfortune of watching Ned end his own career), but it’s possible that someone from within the 22 like Jones or Keays could switch to whatever role they want to call that. Personally I would love to see Dowling on a wing, a lot more than I want to see Jones there. Jones would be better suited in defence - perhaps in Smith’s role. Etc.

Personally, I would drop McHenry altogether, bring Dowling into the 22 (for Ned, but shuffle Chayce into a different role to allow Dowling to take a wing), bring Berry into the 22 (for Crouch) and start Pedlar as sub. I’d also absolutely be ditching both Smith and Butts (for Curtin and Borlase), but the Smith and Butts selections really don’t have any bearing on a Dowling debut.

 

[cleanhands]

They won't do it.

It’s hard not to be optimistic when the opportunity presents itself

 

[Carn The Texan]

Personally, I would drop McHenry altogether, bring Dowling into the 22 (for Ned, but shuffle Chayce into a different role to allow Dowling to take a wing), bring Berry into the 22 (for Crouch) and start Pedlar as sub. I’d also absolutely be ditching both Smith and Butts (for Curtin and Borlase), but the Smith and Butts selections really don’t have any bearing on a Dowling debut.

Don't mind that at all. It won't happen, but I don't mind it.