Joel Bowden – Footballer/cafe co-owner

In Melbourne in winter, football is a fanatically followed melodrama.

Joel Bowden has played over 250 Australian Football League (AFL) games for Richmond, making him one of their longest-serving players. Sport is, however, only part of his life: he is also a players' advocate, a partner in a North Carlton café, a community volunteer and father to two young children.

Joel Bowden was born in Mildura into a large and sporting family, and learned the game in Central Australia alongside indigenous players. As a gifted teenager Joel was snapped up by Richmond and made the long journey to Melbourne. His ability on the field was recognised throughout his career as a player for the Tigers and in representing Australia four times in International Rules.

Away from football he has found success as co-owner of quirkily named café Birdie Num Nums (named after a Peter Sellers line in The Party).

"Cafés are part of Melbourne and my lifestyle, and when an opportunity arose to be part of it, it was very appealing," Joel says.

Joel's volunteer work takes him into the community to work with indigenous players, and children at North Richmond Housing Estate, as volunteer President of the AFL Players' Association.

"My father is a generous man and has been contributing in many areas of the community throughout his life. In some ways I am carrying on his example and trying to contribute at some small level."