Geelong has officially landed one of the biggest coups of the trade period, securing former top-10 pick Jack Bowes from Gold Coast, as well as the Suns’ natural first-rounder, in a stunning salary dump deal.
Bowes on Tuesday officially became a Cat after he was traded to Geelong, along with Pick 7.
In return, the Suns received a future third-round pick, with the Cats picking up Bowes’ full salary but spreading it across a news four-year deal.
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Bowes fell out of favour at the Suns this year, managing just five games after a delayed start to the season following shoulder surgery. Subsequently, the Suns player attracted interest from several rival clubs, despite being contracted to the Suns until 2024 and on a heavily back-ended deal reportedly worth more than $1.5 million over those next two years.
The Suns were happy to offload Bowes and, just as importantly, his salary to another club.
Geelong, Essendon, Hawthorn and Brisbane were the rival clubs interested in Bowes and happy to take on his wage. And after Bowes chose the Cats last week, he was officially traded to them on Tuesday.
“Jack has had limited opportunities at AFL level behind our incumbent midfielders, so both Jack and the club agreed it would be in his best interests to explore further playing opportunities elsewhere,” Suns list boss Craig Cameron said.
“Jack has been a great clubman for the Suns and we wish him well in the next phase of his career at Geelong.
“A key component of our strategy this trade period was to pre-emptively position our list to attack the next phase of building our team, allowing us to be aggressive in future trade periods.”
Despite the Cats being prepared to take on Bowes’ salary, the machinations of the trade drew ample criticism from fans and commentators, as the reigning premiers can now use Pick 7 to add a high-end talent from this year’s draft class.
The Cats are almost certain to select 2022 Falcons co-captain Jhye Clark – a competitive, inside on-ball beast with great leadership traits that reminds recruiters of, ironically, recently-retired star Joel Selwood — should he still be on the draft board.
Bowes played 83 games for the Suns after being a club Academy selection in 2016.
While Bowes spent some time in the midfield at the Suns, he’s also proved he has the ability to play in a variety of positions, especially in defence.
“Jack’s signature is exciting news for the Club, we had identified Jack as a player of interest for some time and we’re extremely happy to add him to our playing squad,” Cats list boss Andrew Mackie said.
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“He is a quality person of great character and we know Jack will be a great fit for our Club.
“Thank you to Craig Cameron and the Suns for the diligent and respectful conversations in working through this trade.”
Bowes joins Tanner Bruhn, who the Cats secured last Friday from the Giants. They’re also keen to secure Magpie Ollie Henry, although negotiations between Collingwood and Geelong have hit a stalemate.
