Bowden relishing the challenge
1:19:27 PM Thu 24 August, 2006
Jen Witham
richmondfc.com.au
Relied upon to fill the void left by the injured Darren Gaspar at full-back, Richmond defender Joel Bowden believes 2006 has provided him with a tough mental challenge.
"It's an interesting spot to play. You certainly get more nervous when you are standing in goalsquare alongside someone like Brendan Fevola or Daniel Bradshaw, but at the same time that's what needs to be done at this point in time with Darren being injured," Bowden told richmondfc.com.au.
"Although it's not my favourite position, it's somewhere I don't mind playing. Then again, I probably prefer to be on the half-back flank and a bit further away from goal because if you do make a mistake on the half-back flank, there is still a chance to redeem yourself."
Bowden forecast his return to half-back for next season and said he didn't consider his performance this year to be comprehensive enough for Terry Wallace to consider him as a permanent replacement for Gaspar.
"I'll probably be in the backline, I've been there now for three or four years and I can't see myself changing," he said.
"It will depend on our injuries and our match-ups again, so I would say anywhere from half-back to full-back, back pocket maybe, I've played a few games in the back pocket in the last few years.
"I think Darren will probably stake claim to (full-back) next year, he's done a fantastic job over a decade now and barring injury, I think that's his rightful position and he does it very well."
Full article at:
http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=291901
