Joel Bowden Biography

Joel Bowden has quit his role with the AFL and the League's Match Review Panel to return to the Northern Territory.

The former Richmond defender has worked at AFL House in the position of game analysis manager for the past two years and has spent this season on the MRP.

Bowden is joining AFL Northern Territory as community football – stakeholder engagement manager.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to return home to the Territory and continue to be involved in the greatest game on earth," Bowden said.

"I've always felt the pull to go back to the Territory and to contribute at an administrative level and give something back to the game that has given me a great opportunity in spending almost two decades in Melbourne."

Former Richmond star Joel Bowden accepts a role with the AFL game analysis manager, acting as a central figure in talks between clubs and AFL bosses on the code's evolution.

Bowden replaces Andrew McKay who has accepted a role as Carlton's general manager of football over summer.

"I am very passionate about how the game is played, ensuring that it continues to be the best game to watch and to play," Bowden said.

"I see my role as working with the key partners in the game - players, coaches, clubs and fans - to ensure our game remains at the forefront in sport."

Adelaide veteran Brett Burton has been elected president of the AFL Players' Association in place of Joel Bowden and says he will push for an improved deal when the players' body starts talks with the league over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

"We feel as though with the system we have in place at the moment that the players have lost a bit of bargaining power," Burton said.

"It's not just about money. It's important we support players professionally and personally, so it's not just about increasing the salary cap, it's the services and the professional development."

Richmond veteran Joel Bowden farewells the game and his club on a sad note with the Tigers getting thrashed by Collingwood to the tune of 93 points in his final game.

"It's not a great result but it will perhaps make them stronger," Bowden said after the game.

"In being a leader you need to have a positive influence on others as well. You can play footy but you need to also try to develop and help, and be that positive influence.

''I hope that something that I've done over the past 10 years has rubbed off on a few. And I know it has."

Richmond defender Joel Bowden confirms his retirement, saying Saturday's clash against the Pies will be his last.

Richmond defender Joel Bowden is set to play his last game for the Tigers at the MCG against Collingwood.

"Looks like the game against Collingwood will be my last for the Richmond Football Club, " Bowden said.

"Hopefully it all goes well, that I can acquit myself well, play a good game and finish with Richmond on a high note and beat the Pies, who are playing good footy at the moment."

Richmond's axed veterans were on the end of an embarrassing loss after suiting up for the Tigers' VFL side this afternoon.

Senior players Joel Bowden, Mark Coughlan and Jordan McMahon were all part of the Coburg Tigers' 45-point loss, while other AFL regulars Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Jake King and Jay Schulz also played.

Most were dropped from Richmond's senior side after coach Terry Wallace stepped down a fortnight ago and interim replacement Jade Rawlings opted for youth over experience.

Interim Richmond coach Jade Rawlings says opting for youth in his first selection does not spell the end for experienced players.

Joel Bowden, Jordie McMahon, Troy Simmonds, Mark Coughlan and Kayne Pettifer were all axed.

But Rawlings said on Friday ahead of training at Punt Road he had talked extensively with all concerned and no problems existed with any of them.

"We haven't put a line through any person on our list,'' Rawlings said.

"I said to all the guys, 'There is no cap on whether it is one week, eight weeks or never again'.

"They will need to go to Coburg and do something about elements of the game that we have discussed with them to be able to give them a chance to be able to come back in the senior side.''

Joel Bowden, in particular, has received strong support from Richmond supporters after his axing.

"I totally understand why he's got plenty of support - I'd be disappointed for him if there wasn't some support," Rawlings said.

"It's been over probably a month - he's been on the borderline once or twice this year already, and to his credit he's fought back really well.

"He can easily generate the ball, he's shown that, but there's just some elements of his game he needs to tighten up."

Rawlings denied he was trying to make a statement with the axings.

"It is a lot of changes from one week to another, but we want to move forward, picking a team we think is going to help shape the future of the footy club and also reward form," Rawlings said.

"People ask 'Is it a statement?' - I don't know if it's a statement, it's just a fact that a lot of those players who are out of the side now haven't been in great form."

Richmond caretaker coach Jade Rawlings clearly signaled the club's intentions for the rest of the season on Thursday with five experienced campaigners dropped in favour of youth ahead of round 12 of the Toyota AFL Premiership season.

Troy Simmonds, Mark Coughlan, Joel Bowden, Jordan McMahon and Kayne Pettifer were all omitted after Rawlings' first selection meeting in charge at Punt Road.

Richmond's Joel Bowden says the side wants redemption against Geelong at Skilled Stadium this weekend after a devastating first round loss to Carlton.

Joel Bowden's decision to rush consecutive behinds for purposes of killing time in the dying seconds of the Tigers' thrilling clash with Bombers draws plenty of debate.

While many AFL coaches and players are supportive of Bowden's tactics, others have called for the rules to be looked at.

"We talk about leadership at footy clubs and about handling yourself under pressure. For a player to be able to think through a situation - they are the rules, he is not exploiting any rule, he is playing the game and trying to win the game of footy. I thought it was outstanding leadership, outstanding footy smarts by Joel Bowden," Sydney coach Paul Roos said.

Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews, however, disagrees.

"It is wrong that you can give the opposition a point and get the ball back. That is wrong. All this proves is that it is not enough penalty. No one has really got any concern at all about conceding a behind, at any time of the game, let alone when you are trying to save the game. Why is that? Because the one-point penalty doesn't mean a whole lot and you get the ball back," Matthews said.

Richmond announces their leadership group for 2008 consisting of Kane Johnson returning as captain with Chris Newman and Nathan Foley the vice-captains.

Rounding out the leadership group for 2008 will be Troy Simmonds, Nathan Brown, Joel Bowden and Kayne Pettifer.

"It's a great sign for the club to see some of our younger generation emerging as leaders and wanting to take on more responsibility," Tigers coach Terry Wallace said.

"Both Chris and Nathan are very hard working, set great examples, and are very much respected within the group. We look forward to them helping shape the future of our club".