Paul Bower

[raymagoo]

i always had plenty of love for him but he just stuff up too much. My biggest knock on him is he kicks on his left when he doesnt need to! has room to run around yet blazes or passes on the wrong foot with no pressure & turnover city! NFI why he did it continously

 

[NUFC Tiger]

I don't know a great deal about him but my carlton supporting room mate reckons he just needs to find that mongrel and instill a bit of toughness into his game. Apparently he has the body to play AFL, just not the heart.

Surely GWS or GC could/should be looking at both Bower and Thornton as experienced KPPs to help cover their young developing kids?

 

[jonoman89]

Was playing some amazing footy in 2009 as our CHB. Then injuries hit and he seemed a different player.

Really awkward running and kicking style, but he rarely turned the ball over. His major fault is that he isn't very good one on one. At 192cm he really is more of a tall half-back flank.

If a club is looking for a 3rd tall who can give a lot of drive out of defence then they should have a look. He isn't a KPP.

 

[KnaveyBlue]

... but he rarely turned the ball over.

 

[jonoman89]

He really didn't. He kicked floaters and his kicking action was terrible, but his disposal efficiency was very much on par. He gave us fantastic drive from defence in 2009 before the injuries struck. One of our most valuable players back then.

 

[Upgrayedd]

Decent enough athleticly in the AFL to make it however disposal really lets him down. After a few years it's apparent he wasnt going to progress any further

 

[fishardansin]

It wouldn't be as big a hindrance if he attacked the ball and the man like his life depended on it. As long as he defends first and uses the KISS policy, then he could get back to the player he was three years ago. OK if he can run and get it to your sweepers and mids who can kick.



Always loved his runs from the backline.

Hilarious to see the umpire allow Bower to move the ball around the point post at 4.45 and then run away with it.

Some great highlights there. The final play on the second reel was just fantastic. I think he and Gibbs suffered under Ratten's coaching. Bower often had to play as the KPD just because of his height but clearly not cut out as that. As a running 3rd tall was fantastic and now that Henderson and Watson, combined with Jamison provide some depth as KPDs a combination of two of Laidler, Duigan and/or Bower plus one of Yarran and Scotland rotating through the backline Carlton would have a really well balanced defence ... providing that injury doesn't destroy them two years in a row.

That said with their love of Bootsma, Armfield starting to look like a footballer, Touhy coming on and probably needing some room for young draftees someone has to go. Unfortunately for Bower they chose him. No doubt he'll get a go on another list. Actually if he lasts to the rookie draft I wouldn't mind him at Essendon ... even if it is to make sure that MYERS, HEPPELL AND GODDARD NEVER EVER PLAY DEFENSE for anything other than a small stint during a game rotation.