SWFL 2023: Former Carlton star Paul Bower signs with Harvey Bulls for 2023 season

Some things in football feel right — just ask former Carlton defender Paul Bower.

While exploring his playing options for 2023, the 35-year-old took up Mark Pink’s offer of having a run with the Harvey Bulls and he is glad he did.

“I had been playing with Bullcreek-Leeming over the last couple of years,” Bower said.

“Although I’ve had a connection down there with ‘Crowie’ (Pink) and Brad Holmes, who I have played footy and cricket with.

“I wasn’t committed anywhere, so I went down and had a chat with the club and away I went.

“As soon as I walked in, I felt really welcome. Everyone came up to me and I am pretty happy with my choice of committing to Harvey.”

Selected by Carlton with pick 20 in the 2005 AFL draft, Bower played 70 games for the Blues between 2006 and 2012.

Cruelly, he was plagued by injury throughout his stint at AFL level — however, the silver lining for Bower has been his ability to learn from this challenging period and set high standards of professionalism for teammates to follow.

“I learned so much about looking after my body, along with rehab,” he said.

“Even now (experience) in terms of managing my workload. Every year as you get older, it is a bit harder to recover, so you have to be diligent with rehab, getting to the beach and ice baths, along with stretching and keeping movement.

“I think these things have helped me to be in the position of fortunately still being able to play at 35. Obviously, my passion is still there and I would like to keep playing for as long as possible.”

When he is not busy playing footy or working, chances are you will find Bower enjoying a hit of golf, or spending time with his family.

“Any opportunity I have, I am helping my nephews with their football,” he said.