It's an interesting point. Will he be able to play 80 minutes next year? I don't think so TBH, I'd maybe move him to prop as he effectively plays there anyway and spell him more. Westerman would perhaps be our 13 or Washy.

I agree, as said above it's reserved for a certain type of player e.g. Tommy Lee.

Can i say that as a club man there have been few better that Ewan Dowes.. model professional, looks after himself well, isnt a media whore or a flash git .
With regards being on the field this lad would play every day of the week for 80mins solid if asked, is a solid stopper ....
However thats what he is a stopper not a runner.. always been somewhat ineffective in attack and is somewhat one dimentional with his attacking play but that isnt what we wanted him for we used him as a stopper and nothing more and anywhere he goes that is what they will get a full on 150% stopper.
Great lad, been a part of some great times for FC and i for one wish him well if he does decide to leave us as there is NOTHING bad you can say about Ewan apart from maybe his own personal valuation of himself isnt quite what the club think and thats it, one of the good guys IMO

He's served the club well for a long time but he is exactly the quality of player that has to go if we are to compete for honours. Lots of effort and application but not good enough for a team with the highest aspirations.

With Cusack, Radford and Dowes out and Fielden in, surely that would mean one more prop to come in ??

Has the LMS interest gone for good ? Or do we have other props that we are currently talking to ?

Its a shame that he has had to go (if he has) like this, but he has had his day. Wouldn't mind Scruton in replacement.

For me we are now at the stage were we should have very few of the 2005 cup winning squad still in the squad. Horne to be next I fear and Whiting will be the last of the great team. Though I would be happy for him to be around until he is 30+.

Thanks for everything Ewan you have been a pivitol part of the squad both in good and bad times with a good track record injury wise. Best of luck at the Bulls.

Hame front row, Fitz second row, westerman/washy back row?

And if Dowes has left good luck in the future been a great servant for the club.

Would probably use both there as it would mean we don't have to spend any more money on recruiting forwards in a forward heavy squad. by allowing 3 props to leave (potentially) we could invest more in our 3/4's.

Think Lauaki woud give us another impact prop while Fitz would provide the graft/workhorse role (he has essentially been doing that all season at LF anyway) and i would not allow him to play the full 80 as he has this year, unless injuries struck as he has worked himself to a standstill in multiple games resulting in injury.

Going down the above route our 'props' would be O'Meley, Fitz, Fielden, Lauaki and Moa.

Agree totally. He's been very dependable, rarely injured, and good for 60+ mins per game. A good solid pro who has served us well.

If true, then good luck Ewan and thanks.

Helped us to a cup win and a grand final. A good solid player who won't let anyone down

All the best to Ewan IF he is going to the bulls.
Been a fantastic servant for us.A model professional with a fantastic attitude.

Dowes = Workhorse. That said he is a reliable and generally fit one who does a steady job. Can play lots of minutes and is usually injury free.

Dowes will probably go up in peoples estimations once he leaves ala Mcmenemy. Ive always liked him as a player. Gets through the hard graft without making many mistakes and very much an unsung hero imo

Ewan Dowes is no longer capable of playing an effective 60+ minutes in the SL.

He was for me a key player in the 2005 and 2006 Finals teams but now falls seriously short of what we need.

As with Mark Calderwood we need to move on and look elsewhere.

But wherever Ewan ends up he deserves out respect for some terrific service to the club.