Adelaide Crows draftee Billy Dowling can claim Murray Bridge roots

Officially, Walkerville is listed as Billy Dowling’s local club.

But Murray Bridge can probably claim the Adelaide Crows pick from this year’s national draft, too.

Dowling played some junior football for the Imperial Football Club; and his parents, Jack and Julia, are the principals of the Duttons car dealership chain.

The late Eddie Dutton, a Ramblers past president and life member, was his grandfather.

Dowling and his mates went nuts when his name was called out on Tuesday night.

The on-baller was named the best and fairest player in the SANFL’s under-18 competition this season.

He averaged 31 disposals, seven marks and five tackles per game.

“Just my workrate, that’s the most important thing for me,” he told the Adelaide Crows website on Wednesday.

“I’m someone that works hard and I base my game off workrate.

“I try to get to as many contests as possible and fulfil a role for a team, whatever is necessary to help a team win.”

He said he was “over the moon” about being drafted.

“It’s a dream you have when you’re a little kid, so waking up this morning, I was still pinching myself and could not be more grateful and I’m just looking forward to cracking into it.”

Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell more important local stories – subscribe today.