Boston Dowling has been offered a chance to train for an AFL contract.
Shepparton product Boston Dowling could be the region’s latest AFL success story.
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With one week left for AFL clubs to finalise their lists heading into the 2026 season, Dowling is making a late charge to reach his childhood dreams and earn a list spot at a top flight club.
Dowling has been offered a train-on opportunity at Richmond, the chance arising just days after the 208cm ruckman impressed against Richmond’s VFL unit in a scratch match with Essendon’s VFL side.
Dowling recently defected from Collingwood’s state league side to The Hangar this summer, following four games over two seasons in black and white.
The Shepp Notre junior has since played in the Victorian Amateur Football Association for Old Trinity and was notably impressive in the VAFA Premier B grand final, where he kicked three goals and had 17 disposals in a 12-point win.
According to AFL Media’s Callum Twomey, Dowling has been monitored on Richmond’s radar for a while.
The Tigers made the call to add him as a train-on after ending 18-year-old ruckman Marcus Krasnadamskis’ trial this week.
Dowling is set to vie against Thomas Burton - a 19-year-old 178cm running half-back -for Richmond’s final list spot, with the Supplemental Selection Period deadline date on Monday, March 2.