Diehard AFL fans will never let one of their own go unrecognised, even if external praise eludes them.
Players like Josh Battle, Matt Cottrell, Tom Sparrow and Brent Daniels have played a crucial role at their respective club for years, but never seem to reach the limelight of external discussion or award recognition. Some of that has changed, but a plethora of players need some more love.
This year, several players have stood up in a pivotal spot or in a new role and thrived. Others have toiled away at their job without public acknowledgement of the year they're having.
This piece aims to congratulate those who haven't received the widespread appreciation they deserve, offering a brief moment of stardom before they likely escape discussion once again this weekend...
Geelong
Bowes has been forced into a more primary role through Geelong's midfield in Patrick Dangerfield's absence but hasn't been recognised much amid the club's struggles.
Albeit, he hasn't set the world on fire, averaging just 17 disposals and five tackles, but his presence around the footy can impact games in patches.
He is hitting the scoreboard slightly more often and his disposals are generally more influential, recording more clearances and score-involvements than cheap uncontested touches.
With Dangerfield's return and Max Holmes finding his home at the coalface, Bowes needs to continue this production alongside Tom Atkins without being the primary source of their midfield production.
