Thomson Dow’s dazzling display back in May this year for his school Geelong Grammar against Geelong College, in the local derby of the APS competition, undoubtedly would have caught the collective eye of the Tiger talent scouts.
Dow, subsequently taken by Richmond with its first pick (No. 21 overall) in the 2019 AFL national draft, was a clear best afield for Geelong Grammar in its decisive victory over Geelong College.
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Following that match, Grammar coach Andy Allthorpe was glowing in his praise of Dow.
“He played midfield-forward and he was really dangerous from early on,” Allthorpe said.
“The space really suited him because he’s a really explosive player. He positioned himself really well, led really well, had a shot on goal early in the first, which he missed.
“He had a chance to probably kick five or six (goals) and he kicked three in five minutes in the second to break the game open.
“He’s just a dangerous match-up because of his explosiveness and size.
“He was really impressive, really stood up for the occasion.”
Later in the 2019 season, Dow showcased his impressive array of football skills for Victoria Country’s team in the under-18 national championships.
Dow played every game for Vic Country throughout the championships, averaging 18 disposals per match.
Collingwood premiership player Leigh Brown, who coached Vic Country, provided an insight into Dow’s on-field talent.
“He's still raw and he's still got lots of development left in him,” Brown said.
“He's good in close and his contested stuff is really good.
“He's also got really nice hands to release to a teammate and he's got a burst of speed . . .
“His athleticism is a main strength of his.”
