George Bower (footballer)

George Buxton Bower (18 June 1884 – 5 February 1964) was an Australian rules footballer who played with South Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Family
His older brother, Harold Carlyle Bower (1878–1954) also played for South Melbourne.

South Melbourne (VFL)
Bower made his debut in round one, 1909, against Geelong, at Corio Oval on 1 May 1909.

He was a member of a premiership team in his very first season, playing as a centreman in the 1909 VFL Grand Final. In 1912, South Melbourne made another grand final, but Bower didn't play as he had received a four-week suspension in the semi-final, for striking Essendon's Fred Baring.

He played his last senior match, against Geelong, on 2 May 1914, in which he was one of the best on the ground.



Training Units Team (AIF)
While serving overseas he played for the (losing) Australian Training Units team in the famous "Pioneer Exhibition Game" of Australian Rules football, held in London, in October 1916. A news film was taken at the match.

Military service
Bower's career ended when he enlisted in the First AIF; he served overseas with the 13th Light Horse Regiment