TAMWORTH Kangaroos key forward Elliot Bowen has capped off a near-perfect season by taking out the club's best and fairest award.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Arriving to the club from northern Victoria at the beginning of the season, Bowen made an intimidate impact for the Roos kicking 63 goals in 10 games.
Even though the Roos won just two games for the season, Bowen's efforts in front of goal were enough to net him the Gerry Griffiths medal for the most goals in the AFL North West competition.
Finishing with 28 votes, Bowen edged out up-and-coming midfielder Cameron Holton.
Read Also:
Bowen said claiming the club's top honour was an excellent way to conclude his first season.
"I think a big reason I was able to enjoy some success this year is how well my family and I have settled into Tamworth," Bowen told the Leader.
"Everyone at the Roos made my partner Rebecca and I feel so welcome and I think that really helped.
"I really enjoyed the season and this award is really a true honour."
Despite only winning two games this season, Bowen said he was confident the Roos could come back bigger and better next season.
"It was disappointing given the club has a proud history of performing really well," he said.
"However, I think there is a lot of potential there for us to get back to where we were in the past. I think a lot of that depends on recruitment and up-skilling our current players.
"If we can recruit well and bring those younger guys up another level next year then who knows what we can achieve."
"It was a little different to playing back home, but I really enjoyed it," Bowen said.
"I think it has really helped my family and I settle into a new place and helped us meet some great people as well.
"Another positive is that my body is still feeling really good, so at this stage I'm keen to play on next year."
Despite being eager to pull on his boots next season, Bowen ruled out the possibility of taking the coaching reins at the Roos.
"I think with my experiences I could bring quite a bit to a coaching role," he said.
"However, the timing would have to be right to work in with my family and work commitments.
"Next year doesn't seem to be a good fit at this stage, but certainly in the years to come it's something I'd be interested in and we could look at for sure."