Geelong midfielder Jack Bowes has requested a trade to Essendon, according to AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey, with Cats footy boss Andrew Mackie saying the club is open to facilitating a move if it suits both sides.
According to AFL.com.au, Bowes — who played just nine senior games for Geelong in 2026 — has nominated the Bombers after interest from Essendon and North Melbourne in recent weeks. Zero Hanger likewise reported the request, saying Bowes had also turned aside interest from Adelaide.
Mackie open to a deal
Speaking on Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio, Geelong footy boss Andrew Mackie said the club had kept an open line with Bowes and would not stand in the way of a career-best outcome.
“We’ve had pretty open dialogue with him. He’s a great guy. When guys are out of the team, we feel that we do need to have a conversation with them if they can better their career, then that’s something we’d always like to do as a footy club,” Mackie said, as reported by AFL.com.au.
“Now the next bit is can you always follow through on it? Maybe not, but you know, if it is right for Jack and us then we’d be okay with it.”
Why Essendon, and why now
AFL.com.au reported the Bombers had chased Bowes before he left Gold Coast for Geelong at the end of 2022, and circled back this year. Bowes met new Essendon coach Mark McVeigh and list manager Matt Rosa last week. Geelong had offered him another contract to stay, while North Melbourne had also shown interest.
The request lands in a busy Bombers week after Luke Pedlar nominated Port Adelaide and Sam Marshall requested a trade to St Kilda — both reported moves that left Essendon short of preferred midfield targets. AFL.com.au framed Bowes’ call as a boost for McVeigh’s rebuild.
Bowes joined the Cats from Gold Coast in a salary-dump deal that also brought pick No.7 to Geelong. He is set to become a three-club player if a trade to Tullamarine is completed. No deal has been struck; draft compensation and list spots remain subject to negotiation during the trade period.
TSB will update if Geelong and Essendon lock in a trade, or if Bowes returns to the Cats’ offer.
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