GROUP NINE
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TEMORA has continued its stunning off-season signing spree with the acquisition of decorated full-back Scott Bowden from Group Nine rival Southcity.
The Dragons took another giant step towards a Group Nine resurrection with the signing of Bowden and utility back Jermaine Packer.
Bowden has been one of the premier backs of the Group Nine competition for the past decade and ended weeks of speculation by signing with Temora on Monday night.
Bowden joins former Southcity coach Daniel Fitzhenry at Temora and continues an exodus from the Bulls that has also seen centre pairing Peter Little and Will Merritt leave the club just months following their Group Nine grand final loss to Albury.
The 30-year-old said it was the hardest decision of his career to leave Southcity.
"I've had a few sleepless nights trying to work it out," Bowden said.
"The big thing for me way to stay with Fitzy.
"I've played my best footy the last four or five years with him and wanted to stick with him.
"At the same time, a guy like Matty Ward, nearly every first grade game I've played has been alongside him, even at Magpies, so it's been a tough call.
"It took me about a week to make it."
Bowden was part of Southcity's historic 2011 premiership and has been a point-scoring machine for the Bulls and a regular Group Nine representative.
The addition of Bowden and Packer adds to the recruitment of Fitzhenry and former Leeton halfback Clinton Green in what is set to give the Dragons one of the best backlines in the competition.
Temora coach Michael Henderson was thrilled to welcome another quality player such as Bowden to the club.
"We've recruited pretty well," Henderson said.
"We landed a bit of experience in the backline and all four are rep players too.
"It's definitely a good step in the right direction and their experience will be invaluable for the young boys."
With Henderson and Scott Matthews leading Temora's forward back, the Dragons are suddenly one of the most well-balances teams in Group Nine and have burst into contention for the 2015 title.
As to where each of the four recruits will line-up, Henderson will wait and see.
"It's one of those things where Pack, Fitzy and Bowdo can all play in different positions," Henderson said.
"We'll try a few things around at training and see how they go.
"It doesn't matter where exactly they play for us, getting good quality players like we have, accomplished players, is only going to be good for us.
"We know we needed some backs after last season and we think this will generate a bit of interest too."
Bowden is looking forward to the new beginning at Temora.
"I've been (at Southcity) for nearly 10 years so it's a fresh start," Bowden said.
"It should get a bit of enthusiasm back."