Australian Football

Arguably one of the finest defenders in the pre-World War I VFL, Len 'Tiger' Bowe was a consistent tower of strength for Essendon despite hardly ever training. He arrived at the Same Old in 1907, and was a key factor in the Dons' re-emergence as a league power after several seasons of under-achievement. When Essendon made the 1908 Grand Final, Bowe, playing in a back pocket, was his side's best player in a nine-point loss to Carlton. He later starred on a half back flank as the Dons recorded consecutive Grand Final wins over Collingwood in 1911 and South Melbourne the following year. The 1912 season saw him selected to represent the VFL in two interstate matches against South Australia.

Had it not been for Essendon's temporary disbandment for two years during the war, Len Bowe might well have been the club's first player to record 200 VFL games. It would have been a fitting reward for a player who always played his football with consummate fairness,and who could always be relied on to produce his best form when it mattered most, such as in finals. As it was, when Bowe was forced to retire owing to an illness known as athlete's heart in 1920 he had amassed a total of 185 senior games, and kicked four goals. One imagines his having been a strong candidate for inclusion in Essendon's official 'Team of the Twentieth Century'.

Author - John Devaney