A few highlights rack up over a 265-game career. Here are six of the best from Tigers veteran Joel Bowden.

1. Round eight, 1997 v West Coast
Bowden announced himself to the AFL world, kicking four goals straight in just his 13th game as the Tigers won by a point at the MCG. Damaged his shoulder during the game and missed the next 10 rounds.

2. Round 13, 2001 v St Kilda
Starred, kicking his best ever bag of five goals.

3. Round four, 2003 v St Kilda
Bowden baulked three Saints in succession before booting a great goal.

Bowden said of the shot: "I remember getting possession from Adam Houlihan about 50 metres from goal, and then finding I had to get past three Saints, including Robert Harvey. I somehow managed to baulk or sidestep one after the other, so that I could have a clear shot at goal. I then used a drop punt with my left foot that went through for a goal, much to my relief. I was pleased to have kicked the goal, but the best part came when some of my teammates rushed in to congratulate me. That's always the best part of it as a team game, and it's really exciting to see everyone so pumped."

The goal was nominated as one of the best 10 Tiger goals in last year's centenary celebrations.

4. Round eight, 2006 v Adelaide
 Bowden waxed (not poetically) across half-back with brother Patrick. They combined for 62 possessions as the Tigers won by a point.

5. Round 16, 2008 v Essendon
Late in the game, the Tigers led by six points and Bowden had the ball in the defensive goalsquare after an Essendon behind. Unable to find a target to kick to, Bowden twice retreated over the goal-line, giving up two behinds before finding teammate Jordan McMahon as the siren sounded.

The tactic put the whole strategy of teams rushing behinds under the microscope, and saw the rule changed after the season. Bowden jokingly blamed the tactic on McMahon, saying his inability to get away from the lumbering Jason Laycock until his third attempt to kick it in had forced the actions on him.

6. Round 17, 2008 v Brisbane Lions
Having played in defence for most of the year (he had kicked just five goals for the season to that point), Bowden kicked four straight, with the last one sealing the game for the Tigers just before the final siren.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.