BOWE, Len

Len Bowe was one of the finest backmen to ever play for Essendon.

Initially from Maldon, he apparently rarely trained yet there were few better players in the team.

Regarded as a 'gentleman and thorough sport' he had no superior in the League as a defender. In 1911 he starred in the premiership victory over Collingwood. He also starred on the half-back flank in the 1912 premiership win over Melbourne.

Between 1908 and 1913 he only missed two out of the 91 games played. He later missed two seasons when Essendon stood out of football in 1916 and 1917.

Bowe was an excellent big occasion player and when he retired in 1920, his 185 games was a record at Essendon.

He was selected in the State team in 1912. Heart problems forced his premature retirement in early 1920.

Len Bowe died on 22nd April, 1954.

His cousin, Artie Bowe, played three games for Essendon in 1909.