TASMANIAN midfielder Priya Bowering has long been a named renowned as one to watch from the Apple Isle and now the talented Lauderdale prospect enters her top-age year. A tough contested onballer with some deceptive athletic traits that round out a naturally talented profile.
We spoke to the National Academy member at the recent Tasmanian Preseason Testing Day where she spoke about her footy journey, the experiences she has had, what she has set for herself this year, and the experience of being involved with the launch of the Tasmania Football Club in Hobart.
LAST SEASON STATISTICS
| Team | Games | Disposals | Marks | Cont. Poss | Clearances | Tackles | Inside 50s |
| Tasmania Devils | 13 | 24.1 | 2.5 | 60.2% | 6.0 | 4.2 | 5.4 |
Q&A
Q: Priya, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
PB: “I got into footy through my dad. He was a mad Richmond supporter and we always watched the footy on the TV and I just loved having a kick in the backyard. Then I went over to Auskick, usual story I played with the boys until high school so Grade 7 where I had to switch back over to the girls comp which was really good. Then I’ve been playing Devils since I was 14 so 2021, so been with Devils ever since and loving it.”
Q: You’ve had plenty of experience coming through the Under 16s and 18s pathway, what has it been like?
PB: “It’s been amazing. I really have improved so much since obviously my younger years but I’ve loved the travel around meeting new people. I’ve got friends all over the country now which is awesome.”
Q: You’ve played with the Allies, how have you found that experience?
PB: “Yeah again, the people I’ve met have been amazing. We had a great year last season, we beat Queensland for the first time which was pretty cool. Just the friends and the connections I’ve made which have been amazing.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
PB: “Definitely my dad. I don’t think I’ve ever said ‘do you want to go kick the footy?’ and he’s said ‘no’. Literally he’s always come round, comes to every training session, watches every game on the live stream. Him and my pop are definitely my biggest supporters.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
PB: “Probably my physical strength, my contest and stoppage work and my overhead marking as well.”
Q: What about in terms of your improvements?
PB: “My endurance as a whole, covering the ground a bit more but also being smarter about being smarter where I’m running not just tracking the ball all over the ground but picking the right running patterns.”
Q: You got invited to the National Academy, how has that been?
PB: “It’s actually been amazing, all my coaches are absolutely awesome. They’ve taught me so much already even though we’ve only had one camp really. The girls are absolutely lovely, everyone has gelled nicely. It’s just a really fun and inclusive environment.”
Q: How have you fared over preseason, any injuries or been smooth sailing?
PB: “No injuries touch wood. But yeah it’s been good, I’ve worked hard over the off-season and the preseason and I’m feeling fit so can’t wait till the games start.”
Q: Are you going to play midfield again or a bit forward?
PB: “I’m looking to up my midfield game because that’s my strength, but definitely want to improve my forward craft as well just because it’s better to be more versatile when as a draft prospect you want to be able to play everywhere.”
Q: Are you a Richmond fan too?
PB: “Yeah.”
Q: Who’s a player you look up to from the top level?
PB: “I love Mon Conti, obviously she’s a jet. I love how she plays, she’s so agile and her skills are amazing. I just love how she takes the game on, probably her, a Richmond player as well.”
Q: With the announcement of the Tasmania team, what’s the buzz been like down here from your perspective?
PB: “It’s been huge. Everyone is so, so excited. I remember I went to the launch down in Hobart and the atmosphere was just so incredible. Everybody was best mates because everyone wanted the same thing. It’s been a long time coming, but I think everyone’s super, super excited about it.”
Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?
PB: “Well I just like to play through the season injury free. Obviously at the end of the year my ultimate goal is to be drafted and play AFLW. Aside from that I just want to have fun, enjoy my last year at the Devils and hopefully win the flag maybe. That’s the ultimate goal.”
