His absence a mystery to some Blues fans, Bower was in fact sidelined with a partial tear of the foot, sustained after awkwardly landing following a marking contest during Carlton’s pre-season Challenge match against Geelong on March 12.
“Obviously it’s been frustrating. I’ve missed three or four weeks now,” said Bower.
“I’ve been itching to go. I was trying to convince myself I was ready a couple of weeks ago, but I don’t think I was.”
Bower was restricted to 12 senior games in 2010 due to a persistent quad problem, which led to him struggling for fitness in the latter part of the season.
All things considered, it’s probably Bower’s patience that has been tested the most.
As he said: “I suppose when you do a full pre-season and you play in all the practice games you just want to play in the real games.”
Bower joins a Bullants line-up that boasts remarkable depth, with 16 Carlton-listed players taking to the field in round one. It needn’t be said that the side will be looking to replicate the form shown in its 76-point thumping of the Bendigo Bombers against the Magpies.
But Bower’s personal objective is simple.
“I just want to put a good performance in both for myself and the team and hopefully put my hand up for selection, if not next week, then the week after,” he said.
As expected, Bower has followed Carlton’s progress closely over his month-long absence and has been excited by the team’s showing in the first two rounds.
“It’s been promising the way we’ve been able to change our game style…which has worked well so far,” Bower said.
VFL Round 2
Northern Bullants v Collingwood
Saturday April 9
Visy Park at 2:00pm
