The Board and staff of AFLNT wish to express our sincere and deepest condolences to the Bowden family on the passing of their patriach, Michael Bowden OAM.
As a premiership player with the Richmond Football Club in 1969, Mike formed a life-long love for the Tigers which saw three of his sons play there.
His move to the Northern Territory in the 1980s and influence in the community through education, particularly in Central Australia, was recognised earlier this year in the Australia Day honours list. It is in his honour that the Bowden McAdam Grandstand at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs stands.
In 1996, when he was 49 years of age, he won a premiership in the reserves with the Rovers Football Club in Alice Springs.
He held a special affinity with Indigenous people and has left a legacy not only in football but the broader community.
Our thoughts are with Michael’s wife Judy, daughter Majella, and sons Sean, Rhett, Kane, Joel, Patrick and Charlie at this sad time.
A life well lived.
Vale Michael Bowden.