Player Watch Billy Dowling - Re-Signed to End of 2026

[Jarman3]

Definitely looked like he belongs at the level. Good composure, reasonable disposal, no major mistakes about from that sprayed set shot near the end. Looks a reasonable size, too. Looks like there's something to work with, nothing to lose by giving a solid block of games for the rest of the season.

 

[hugecannon]

Hopefully they’ll give him some opportunities to play a genuine mid over the rest of the year, but I really like what he brought to the side as the high hf/mid his ability to link up and make some good decisions with the ball really stood out, if he can tidy up his kicking a bit more he could be a real player for us.

 

[Alwaysacrow]

Honestly has McHenry had a better game than Dowling's debut? Insane

Dowling>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>McSpudry

 

[DJ75]

Very impressive debut, on the HF.

Ticked all boxes should play every game from now on.

And in the middle. Sog will start to fatigue. Need guys like Dowling, Rachele and Talyor to come in the middle more.

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Soligo is already fading

 

[MarcusP2]

Honestly has McHenry had a better game than Dowling's debut? Insane

McHenry's had a couple of games with 20+ and goal.

The problem is they were 3 years ago.

Unless something changes Dowling is just as likely to end up a player that shows signs and never develops.

 

[hugecannon]

Soligo is already fading

Which is understandable given his age and experience level. To be honest I think the coaching staff have done an ok job of managing him in the last few weeks once he started to show some fatigue. Hopefully he can be managed through the season and still have an impact

 

[Crow-eater]

The crowd loved him. Biggest cheer was when he got his goal, and the general feeling around us was excitement whenever he got near it. A lot of people have been waiting for his debut.

 

[bigman]

It was a promising start but his kicking to position was only fair. He needs to work on this over the summer to ensure he becomes a permanent member of the side or else we will be calling for his head next season when he misses crucial targets.

I like him but he has his weaknesses.

 

[jo172]

Reminded me a bit of when Knight first came into the side in 2015 in the instinctive link up wing/half forward play.

Had very high hopes for Knight after that season.

 

[MarcusP2]

Reminded me a bit of when Knight first came into the side in 2015 in the instinctive link up wing/half forward play.

Had very high hopes for Knight after that season.

Another promising player who went nowhere.

 

[cmndstab]

It was a promising start but his kicking to position was only fair. He needs to work on this over the summer to ensure he becomes a permanent member of the side or else we will be calling for his head next season when he misses crucial targets.

I like him but he has his weaknesses.

Yeah, it was okay without being a standout. If he ends up playing more inside, that's probably fine - not his role.

Mind you, our structure ahead of the ball was diabolical, so it's not like he had much to kick to.

 

[NSolis]

Yeah, it was okay without being a standout. If he ends up playing more inside, that's probably fine - not his role.

Mind you, our structure ahead of the ball was diabolical, so it's not like he had much to kick to.

Main issue is just that I don't think Dowling is going to be getting that much inside time. Even in the (unlikely) event that we discard Laird and focus on next year there's still Soligo, Rankine, Dawson, Berry, Schoenberg, Pedlar, Rachele who would be in line for midfield minutes when selected, and others like Michalanney we might want to look at as well. Obviously he can get more than 0 CBAs but he'll likely need to earn his spot in another role rather than just outcompeting all the other midfield options. Similar with Taylor.

Think he looked pretty good at half-forward though, and can kick a goal for sure.

 

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The kid interviews well

 

[Arr0w]

Building nicely, still can't believe he drifted into the 3rd round

 

[Jcpdragonx]

very good composure and work rate, we were down on the bench didnt look like it affected him at all

 

[glengowan]

Reminds me a bit of Riley Knight

3

Riley Knight

Age

29

Ht

181cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.4

4star

K

6.7

3star

HB

7.8

5star

M

3.9

4star

T

3.6

5star

G

0.7

4star

No current season stats available

D

11.0

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

6.0

4star

M

2.8

3star

T

2.6

4star

G

0.8

4star

when he first started. Played well again tonight.

 

[1990crow]

Reminds me a bit of Riley Knight when he first started. Played well again tonight.

Way better skills and agility than Riley.

 

[Crow till I die]

I like how both Billy and Zac are both making their way in the seniors since coming in. Both played their part tonight and had their moments. Great learning experience having to dig in players down at a hostile venue and grind out a win v a finals competing side.

I don't care if they have quiet games, they must stay in now for the rest of the season to build for next year.

 

[WeeBlake]

I like how both Billy and Zac are both making their way in the seniors since coming in. Both played their part tonight and had their moments. Great learning experience having to dig in players down at a hostile venue and grind out a win v a finals competing side.

I don't care if they have quiet games, they must stay in now for the rest of the season to build for next year.

Agree. They are modern mids. They don’t just hack it fwd, they look to take a step a do something useful with it.

 

[Pugsley]

They produce good footballers at the Walkerville footy factory.

 

[Danger in Texas]

Clearly a smart player, has an ability to accumulate, athletic enough, and can push forward well

He’s a 10-year+ player. Curious to see if he develops into a mid

 

[Greenfinger]

Really loving what he brings to the side. Has great composure and able to get out of tight spots for someone will so view games. Should have played all year.

 

[George Kramer]

Really loving what he brings to the side. Has great composure and able to get out of tight spots for someone will so view games. Should have played all year.

Kicker of clutch goals so far, I like him

 

[Carn The Texan]

Did he have a lovely long kick out of a tight spot on the half back flank to find Fog? I was behind the goals at the other end but it looked like him. Was a gem of a kick.

 

[Trigger13]

Actually reminds me of Caldwell. Not overly gifted athletically and not amazing skills. But is a workhorse who makes good decisions. We have a few of these players now. What we need is a Sam Durham type to complement them. The way he exploded from stoppage last night was awesome.