Kiara Bowers has revealed what is driving her as she prepares to launch a new season against Geelong at Fremantle Oval on Sunday.
After Bowers’ stunning debut season in 2019, the reigning Fremantle best and fairest winner goes into 2020 as one of the players tipped by her peers to win the AFLW MVP Award.
At a dawn smoking ceremony at Fremantle Oval last weekend, Bowers gave a moving speech to her teammates as she and partner prepare to welcome a baby boy mid-year.
“Last year I went into the season trying to prove to myself that I can play, and prove to the girls and the club that I can play and give back to you guys,” Bowers said.
“This year I have a different mindset. We’re having a kid, he’s a little boy and Webby (assistant coach Lisa Webb) just had a little boy, Cotters (assistant coach Amy Lavel) is having a little boy.
“My mindset is a bit different this year. I wanted to tell you guys that we are paving the way for young men to look up to strong women and I think that’s incredible. I just want us to know that’s what we’re showing them.”
Bowers said she had had a great pre-season.
“I am ready to go,” Bowers told the West Australian. “I am going into this season knowing I can do it and I will do it.”
When Bowers played against Geelong last season, the gun midfielder laid an astonishing 19 tackles in a memorable display.
Dockers coach Trent Cooper described Bowers as the best defensive midfielder in the competition but warned there was much more to her game.
“This year we expect her to live up to that but then become even more attacking,” he told the West Australian.
“Her ball use is underrated and I know our forwards’ eyes light up when she has the ball coming out of the centre.”