Blake Howes is part of the next generation of Melbourne players, going into his third year at senior level in a club where best 22 spots are opening up. Howes has settled at half back in a hybrid role, similar to how Michael Hibberd used to be given roles on smalls or talls depending on availability of better-credentialled teammates. Long-term injury to Jake Bowey, however, has left a spot for a rebounding flanker to step up in a more creative role. Trent Rivers is probably favourite to fill that spot, but Howes has a shot at it too.
Blake Howes is part of the next generation of Melbourne players, going into his third year at senior level in a club where best 22 spots are opening up. Howes has settled at half back in a hybrid role, similar to how Michael Hibberd used to be given roles on smalls or talls depending on availability of better-credentialled teammates. Long-term injury to Jake Bowey, however, has left a spot for a rebounding flanker to step up in a more creative role. Trent Rivers is probably favourite to fill that spot, but Howes has a shot at it too.
Blake Howes was one of the many cash cows who started their 2024 run with a string of nice scores, only to fall by the wayside as this has been a brutal year for rookie players. Perhaps it's the extreme length of the season, maybe it's just a case of bad luck that so many of the Rising Star candidates have been suspended or injured. In recent games, with Melbourne struggling to find fit key defenders, Howes has been called upon to play that role. With a listed height of 191cm he is tall enough, just... but his bulk is clearly not there yet. He may descend into a Mr Fixit role at this rate.
