The way to logically look at it is to look at the effect a player would have to the team as a whole if they were absent.
For mine, Bowden's absence would not have the same effect on the team as the exclusion of somone like Richo or even Simmo. Without Snake this year we have serverly struggled in the midfield and attempting to link up from HB to the F50.
Similiarly Richo (unfortunately IMHO) still remains the go to man in the forwardline. He is the spiritual leader of the team, leading by example and giving his all every single game.
Bowden has the accolades but he has played a very unaccountable game for years allowing him to rack up a huge amount of possessions. He hasn't the size, height or speed to play on the main backmen and always requires help if he is forced to do so. He is beautiful kick but if you were told that one of our stars had to prematurely retire immediately would his name spring to mind as the worst player to loose?
I would say, in terms of importance to our structure now and into the future, I would rank Rich and Simmo higher for the now and Lids, Foley, Thursty and even Cotchin for the future.
Just my opinion of course
Stripes
