Nothing against Bower, talented depth player.....but....the modern game demands crisp and judicious ball movement. Does not receive pass mark here. He does not play to his height or even strength. The only role that gives him a chance of best 22 is in defence. Yet he prefers to run off, play loose, rack up cheap possessions.
Gee that sounds similar to one B.Thornton who was burnt out as our 1 good tall defender for a few years. Lost the desire to defend week in week out. Thornton has the skill set to play swingman and has value up the ground and pinch hitting behind.
The same cannot be said for Emu. We have better outside players both current and developing. I was amazed when the match committee went for him over Watson after them having similar impact in NAB Cup. This to me has backfired, Bower in right circumstances can accumulate, but is not a genuine defender. Watson seems fragile mentally and has apparently dropped his bundle. While we would like our young players to have more mental fabric, I believe "pumping up his tyres" and giving him a shot was by far the best prospective outcome going forward. Emu can be a bit player and have his positive periods, but will never be a gun KPD, we have burned Watson...????????????????????