NT Thunder Football Club welcomes back Michael Bowden after a two-year break, with the Southern Districts premiership player focused on being a permanent fixture in the 2019 NEAFL line up.

The grandson of Richmond premiership player Mike Bowden and nephew of 250 game Tiger and AFLNT Team of the Century member Joel, the younger Bowden played for Thunder in the 2015 and 2016 seasons racking up 32 games.

He was in the Croc’s best in their one-point win over the Darwin Buffaloes in the 2017/18 NTFL Grand Final playing in a defensive role alongside Thunder star Sam Smith and has played all 18 games of the 2018/19 NTFL season.

He is well known for having an accurate left foot kick and elite running capacity and held the beep test record of 16.1 while he was at Thunder – a record that still stands.

NT Thunder Head Coach Darren Reeves was glad to attract Bowden back to the Thunder line up.

“He’s got outstanding talent and has had an exceptional year at Southern Districts.

“We felt like we needed to top up in the defensive area and he’s a perfect fit and an in-form player, and he’s a great ball user. We feel like he’s matured and he’s ready to contribute for us in 2019,” he said.

NT Thunder Manager Andrew Hodges said it was great to reengage an experienced past player.

“Someone with Bowdo’s experience is great to have around the group. He’s played at NEAFL level, so he understands what it’s about, and he understands the program, so I’m looking forward to him being involved,” he said.

Bowden said he was looking forward to wearing the Territory colours again.

“There’s a really great vibe at the club and a good mix of familiar and fresh faces. It’s just simply good to be back,” he said.