Mikayla Bowen is set to reach an impressive milestone on Saturday, when the Cats fan favourite plays her 50th AFL game in Geelong’s season opener against Melbourne.
Set to commence her third season in the hoops, Bowen has quickly become an integral part of the Cats line-up bringing plenty of determination and unrelenting pressure on the wing.
Last year saw the dynamic winger take her game to new heights, playing every match in the season and averaging over 12 disposals, four tackles and four intercept possessions per game.
Along with her talents on the field Bowen has also impressed off it, joining Geelong’s Player Leadership Group in 2023 and winning the Cats’ AFLW Hoops Award, a peer-voted values-based award.
Although the hoops look natural on Bowen, the 23-year-olds AFLW career started on the other side of the country when she signed with West Coast in 2019.
Bowen made her debut in the opening round of the 2020 season, part of West Coast’s inaugural team during their first season in the competition.
Across the next three seasons Bowen’s game continued to grow with the Eagles, playing 25 games and snaring an AFLW Rising Star nomination in 2021.
But at the conclusion of the AFLW’s season 6 in 2022 a new opportunity presented itself, Bowen requesting and receiving a trade to Geelong in June.
Bowen’s first season in the hoops was a success averaging career highs in inside 50 entries and intercept possessions, while also playing her first ever Finals match when the Cats made it to the postseason.
2023 was another great season for the young winger, playing an important role as the Cats won their first AFLW finals game and made it all the way to a Preliminary Final.
At just 23 years old Bowen still has plenty of football in front of her, but reaching 50 AFLW games is a terrific achievement and one that will be celebrated on Saturday night.
The Cats will take on Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, with the game set to commence at 7.15pm.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or follow the link below to see Geelong AFLW Membership options for the 2024 season.
