Checkside Chats with 400-game SANFL Umpire Corey Bowen

By ZAC MILBANK

Only three SANFL field umpires have reached the magical 400-game milestone and now, Corey Bowen, is set to become the fourth in Sunday’s Hostplus SANFL League clash between Glenelg and North Adelaide at Stratarama Stadium. 

The 42-year-old began his journey with SANFL in 2002 before making his League debut in Round 22 of 2004, ironically a match between the Tigers and Roosters at the Bay.

Speaking on the latest edition of the Checkside Chats podcast, Bowen reveals the most challenging free kicks to pay, what is secret to bouncing the ball is and which games have been his most memorable to officiate.

Estimating he’s covered approximately 25,000kms. the father of three also details how he maintains his fitness, his plans to further his coaching career and whether he will aim to chase down the all-time record of 459 games held by Richard Williams.