Chris and James Gowans Appreciation Thread

[LuvsFooty]

So is there one particular person at Centrals that can take the credit for recruiting the boys? How did it all come about? Whoever sealed the deal needs a pat on the back!!!

[Dogwatcher]

Luvsfooty - I think most credit in recruiting the Gowans boys goes to 'Krazy Kris' as one poster likes to call him.

Westies nearly had them - but Doug didn't rate them by all accounts.

[NFC]

That's fair enough. We all said the same about Macca. Still admired him though. I bet you secretly admire the boys too.

Nope.

[giffo]

I've only met the boys at the chimney and so on but they have always been great with the kids. They were both stragglers during the lap of honour after the GF as the were always stoppoing for photos, etc. At least this year it was easier telling them apart- Chris, black eye; James, split lip.

[smac]

Les Stevens is the one who implemented a lot of the current initiatives. He deserves a lot more credit than he gets.

Built the systems and handed it over - a trained monkey could run the club now. From recruiting to culture, he was the king.

[CENTURION]

I hope they don't give the SANFL away but I'd like to say how fantastic and important the contribution these 2 lads have made to the SANFL. They've helped make not only their club stronger but the SANFL as a whole.
I'd really like someone to post the full details of exactly how many Grand Finals and premierships they've played in and details of their awards at Central.
I know Chris has played 163 SANFL games and James has played 159 SANFL games with them both playing in 17 SANFL finals and 7 Grand Finals with 3 Jack Oatey's between them.
I have nothing but admiration for these guys and their records are unbelievable if you take into account GFs they played in even before they joined the Dogs.
Ive never met a person that has met them in real life like I had the pleasure of meeting Chris once that ever said a bad word about them, quality blokes.
Along with someone like Dean Howard over the last few years I've always said they'd be the first blokes I'd pick in my side.
Well done Chris and James, your efforts and record are exceptional and you're a credit to yourselves, your family and your club.

PS This thread is about appreciating their achievements, any negative comments will be deleted.

Not to mention 13 Grand Final appearances EACH in a row!

[bulldog pommy]

So is there one particular person at Centrals that can take the credit for recruiting the boys? How did it all come about? Whoever sealed the deal needs a pat on the back!!!

My mail was Daniel Healy mentioned them to Krazy Kris when he came back from St Kilda.

[giffo]

Yeah. I've heard that one too.

[Jackal]

It is not well known but the Gowan's were very close to joining West Adelaide when they were deciding on coming to Adelaide. Doug Promise was certain he had them over the line and feels that Centrals stole them at the last minute in an act of desperation regarding salaries. History says it was the best single decision ever made by Centrals. Most of us would have preferred they went to West Adelaide where their records probably would have read 30 games each, left mid second season due to contact dispute, 11 winning games, zero premierships, finished careers at Frankston, disillusioned with Adelade.

[whufc]

Heard Doug Thomas only wanted Chris couldn't fit James in salary. The boys were never going to seperate at that stage of careers Central were willing take them both on.

[stampy]

I met one of them on the magarey night - cant remember which one but I do remember havin a pretty good laugh with him about general football stuff !!!

I also did ask how much it would take for him and his brother to play for Sturt !!!

i bet he laughed his head off!!

[doggies4eva]

They hold the all time record for most success for twins in the SANFL

[Ian]

They hold the all time record for most success for twins in the SANFL

I suspect that record could go well beyond the SANFL, especially if you included their pre Dogs carreers. As much as "I love to hate them", I wish they hadn't gone quite so far North.

[Sam_goUUUdogs]

I wonder if 13 GF's straight for a player is an Australian Football record? Spelly?

[Centralian]

After they eventually retire, I would like to see a bronzed statue of James and Chris with their arms around each other at the entrance to Grand Central. IMO that's how much they mean to the club.
I would be happy to chip in some funds too if the hat was being passed around.

I reckon they could have played AFL if given a proper chance. Played their best footy in mid 20's but were cut before their time like so many others.

No photo or autograph is ever a problem with these two, even when they have the biggest hangover.

[the joker]

Who will be the first brother inducted into the SANFL hall of fame

[Dog_ger]

The Phillis boys were pretty similar at the bay as I remember all those years ago.....

[Grahaml]

They've said themselves it was south that they were thinking about going to at one stage.

[Dog_ger]

Also "The Balme's" of Norwood....?

[Dog_ger]

Us Dogs take playing in a Grand Final for granted....

How TRULY lucky we are...!!!