Jacob Timpano, Alex Brosque, Brandon Santalab, Michael Zullo, do those names ring a bell? No? What about Robbie Fowler? Thought you knew that name.
Fowler is the newest marquee player in the A-League and he is playing for the North Queensland Fury. I am sure everybody knows Robbie Fowler, a man with 230 goals in all competitions next to his name, a member of the PFA Team of the Year and twice PFA Young player of the year.
Our next most famous player is Craig Moore, Craig Moore! Sure he is an Australian football legend, but he isn’t even in the same class as “God”. Although Fowler is on the wrong side of 30 he still is a pure finisher, even if he hasn’t played since September last year.
And now, here are the reasons why I think Fowler can help the A-League:
His Status:
Robbie Fowler is well known across the globe, and I think everybody will want to know how Robbie Fowler is going, whether they are from England or Australia. Sure the English might not know who the North Queensland Fury are, and probably chuckle at the outrageous name (trust me I laugh at it, and I’m Aussie) but it won’t matter if you don’t know, it doesn’t matter, people still want too see if Fowler struggles or shines in the Australian competition, and no matter if you love him or hate him, you just want too see him play.
Fowler might not make you watch the A-League, but he will make you take an interest in the A-League, and if Fowler scores I think it might just get on the sport news in England and might take up a small article in the English press, which will be new ground for the A-League.
His Marketability
When Dwight Yorke arrived in our shores in the A-Leagues inaugural season, he was the centre of every ad campaign, whether it be on television, billboards or even on the radio, and again this is where Fowler’s status contributes, he is no doubt in my opinion a bigger star then Dwight Yorke.
Imagine the revenue that can be pulled in by Mr White Line Fever, and with the current economy crisis, and with some clubs now in financial trouble, Fowler could be the one who gives these clubs a push, increase crowd figures, increase income, one thinks that people will go to watch Fowler regardless what team they support.
Experience
Australian sport stars in general are facing constant media scrutiny – just 3 months ago Sebastian Ryall (Sydney FC Defender) was charged with sexual assault on a 12 year old girl while 3 players were convicted of match fixing last A-League season. Sure Fowler has had some indiscretions next to his name, but he is now a 34 year old family man, he brings his experience a calming influence, and can calm down some young players, not just from the Fury but from opposition teams.
Fowler is a great asset to the A-League, although he is 34, he can still bring a positive influence to the Australian football scene. A great player, but hopefully a man of his status can make people take notice of the A-League, if Fowler can’t, maybe Australian football clubs should target stars in their prime, but one thinks the big stars won’t be coming to Australia.
Will Fowler flop or will he light up the A-League?
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