Search Toggle

From the NBL to AFL – Jeff Dowdell Q&A

The Belconnen Magpies Football Club recently signed former NBL star Jeff Dowdell for the 2016 AFL Canberra season, having had a breakout season last year for the reserves side. Dowdell played for eight years at the highest level of professional Australian basketball and is looking forward to the challenge of making the switch to a higher level of Australian Rules. I spoke to Dowdell about his future in the sport.

A photo posted by Jeff Dowdell Fan Page (@jeff_dowdell_fan_page) on

Q. Within the space of a few years, you’ve made the jump from playing professional basketball in the NBL, to Australian Rules football in Canberra, what was the reason behind the switch?

A. In my last year in the NBL, I played for the Cairns Taipans. I spent the entire season, as well as the majority of the preceding one too, playing with a significant amount of pain and stiffness in my left hip.
The issue was similar to an osteoarthritis condition, but is known as FAI (Femero Acetabular Impingement), which required surgery (bilateral hip arthroscopy and osteoplasty) at the end of the season. I spent a significant period out of the game. I was 25 at the time.

During this period I began my university degree and I think my goals and priorities shifted. I had missed a full NBL season and it would’ve been a huge challenge to prove my fitness and get another contract. I decided my new goal was to be a university graduate by the age of 30.

Q. After leaving the Cairns Taipans in 2012, did you have ambitions to make it back to the NBL?

A. Immediately after the hip surgery I was adamant I would come back to professional basketball. My views changed after beginning university, starting a new job as a youth worker, and being closer to family and friends. I came to the realisation that I was very lucky to have played 7 seasons in the NBL but it was time to pursue the goals I’d set for myself in my ‘new life’.

Q. Are you still involved in basketball?

A. I coach a team of young (u/16’s) indigenous boys called the Winnunga Warriors. We play in the local junior competition here in Canberra.

Q. How does playing professional basketball compare to playing 1st grade football for Belconnen?

A. In some respects it’s similar – in others very different. The emphasis on communication, professionalism and toughness is very similar. Obviously the technical aspects of the sports are very different.

Q. You’re still relatively young at 29, do you have any ambition to play football at a higher level (NEAFL)?

A. No, I don’t think so. I’m really enjoying playing for Belconnen and I don’t see that changing.

Q. Have you set any goals for the 2016 season with Belconnen?

A. Nothing concrete – which kind of typifies the way I view footy compared to basketball. I just want to win, have fun, and stay fit!

Recent Comments

0

Be the first to comment!

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *