ALBURY games record-holder Matt Fowler has signed with Thurgoona.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fowler has been training with the Bulldogs for the past two weeks and will be rushed into the line-up to take on reigning Tallangatta and District league premier Barnawartha at Barnawartha today.
Thurgoona coach Jason Sheather said it was a huge boost to secure a player of Fowler’s ilk on the eve of the opening round.
“My four-year-old Tom is a big Matty Fowler fan and has always worn No. 12 on his back so he might have had a bit to do with it,” Sheather said.
“It’s great and the icing on the cake on the eve of the season.
“A lot of country clubs were chasing him and honestly until two weeks ago I didn’t think Matty was going to play anywhere.
“He’s never chased money and thankfully Thurgoona is closer to town and that’s going to help with his two girls and work.
“He won’t be playing every game and I just hope he really enjoys his footy.”
Fowler became the first player in Ovens and Murray history to play 350 games at one club last season when he brought up the milestone with the Tigers.
Fowler finished his 354-match O and M career with more than 800 goals and played in six premierships after joining Albury from Walbundrie in 1993.
Fowler said he was looking forward to reuniting with several of his former Albury teammates, including Sam Cross and Mark Bush.
“My kids and work are my No.1 priority, but I’ll try and fit in as many games as possible,” he said.
“I travel interstate with work a bit and will have to wait and see how it all fits in,” he said.