THERE were ties stretching back more than a handful of years, but Julian Rowe was unaware the profound impact of watching last year’s Peter Jackson VFL Grand Final would have on him.
Rowe spent the 2007 season with Port Melbourne, the year after the curtain dropped on an AFL career with Collingwood that saw him play 26 games with the Magpies.
After a season with the Borough, Rowe returned to VAFA to play with Old Carey, his old school team, filled with familiar faces from his days at school.
While he maintained a strong interest in the AFL, Rowe lost touch with the VFL even though several ex-Oakleigh Charger teammates – Toby Pinwill and Adrian Bonaddio - remained at Port Melbourne.
He wasn’t at Etihad Stadium the previous season when Port Melbourne capped off one of the most spectacular seasons ever when they put an exclamation point on a season, where they went through undefeated, by winning the flag.
For whatever reason Rowe decided to go to Etihad Stadium last year to see Port Melbourne and Geelong play what was a great match; a telling advertisement in more ways than one for the competition.
While disappointed that Port Melbourne had failed to snatch the premiership after Geelong over ran them in the final term, Rowe left the venue convinced that he wanted to return to his old VFL club.
Although he thoroughly enjoyed playing with so many friends, Rowe found playing in the Amateurs wasn’t fulfilling, something was missing. Deep down he knew he was capable of playing at a much higher standard.
But, Rowe’s focus had shifted from football to finding a career so football fell in line behind that pursuit.
Watching so many ex-teammates – he also played with Pinwill, Bonaddio, John Baird, Sam Pleming and Dean Galea when he played with Collingwood’s then affiliate Williamstown – struck a chord with him.
“I was surprised with the effect it had on me, I wasn’t expecting it,” Rowe said.
“Pretty much after I left that game I decided that I wanted in the VFL again.
“Over the years just having a little bit of a break from competing at a really high level, my mind was just refreshed.
“The Grand Final was a great spectacle, I felt I should be out there. I just made a passing comment to a few people that I would like to play at the highest level possible.
“I felt the standard had lifted enormously from when I was last playing there. It was a lot more appealing, the football was a lot more exciting.
“I was sort of blown away.”
Rowe discussed a comeback with Pinwill, who urged him to return to the Borough.
Word filtered down to Port Melbourne coach Gary Ayres who gave Rowe a call, which was followed by a meeting and then him re-joining the famous VFL club.
Rowe has made a seamless transition back to a much higher, faster, skilled level and a new game plan under Ayres, who wasn’t at the North Port Oval when he was last there.
The result?
“I’m absolutely loving it,” Rowe said.
Port Melbourne returns home
Port Phillip City Council has advised Port Melbourne Football Club that North Port Oval will be available for games from May 3 2013. This will enable the round 5 game on Saturday May 4 2013 against Casey Scorpions to be played at North Port.
Club president Peter Bromley said that it will be great to play at home after five weeks on the road.
“Getting access to the Goss Stand rooms will be the first instalment in improved, competition leading, facilities at North Port for our players and coaching staff.
“While the visitors’ dressing room will not be completed until the end of June visiting teams will use the second dressing room in the Goss Stand on match days” Mr Bromley said.
“We will use one of the new medical rooms, while the visitors will use the new property room and one medical room."
Last Modified on 24/04/2013 13:52