STRENGTHS:

+ Clean skills
+ Consistency
+ Decision making
+ Dual-sided
+ Endurance
+ Size

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Hurt factor
- Speed

Speed is everything in football at the moment, but players like MacGowan prove there is still room for those outside of the popular athletic archetype. While others are fleet of foot, he is fleet of thought. What's more, his ball handling is incredibly clean, he makes terrific decisions, and can dispose on either side of his body.

A point can also be made on MacGowan's running power, which does not necessarily require raw speed to be impactful. He was the only player to run the 2km time trial in under six minutes at the National Draft Combine and that translates on-field, where he runs clever patterns to accumulate possessions in all parts.

Naturally a wingman, he covers enormous ground and gets to all the right spots to help dictate the game. Whether it be in slow play or in the midst of transitional waves, MacGowan works over his opponents and can find space anywhere on the field. His endurance lends to high production at a very consistent rate.

What makes MacGowan unique is that he is so prolific on the outside, but has the frame of a big-bodied inside ball winner. When utilised at stoppage, he shows his competitive streak with fierce tackle efforts by absorbing opposition pressure. He is wonderfully efficient, possessing clean and quick hands, and the ability to exit wherever the space is - rather than solely on his preferred side.

Those steadfast footballing fundamentals have shone amongst the flashes of athleticism and dare others produce far less frequently. Although, MacGowan improved his ability to hurt the opposition as the year wore on, hitting the scoreboard in important moments and biting off kicks which shift the angles.