By Hayley Wildes
Warragul-local Noah Gown has long been known for his prowess on the basketball court, but 2018 has been all about footy.
The 18-year-old, 193-centimetre key-forward has returned to football this year and, in his first season of TAC Cup, has been tearing up the competition for the Gippsland Power.
The tough decision to give basketball away and focus on footy has paid dividends recently with Gown dominating the past six TAC Cup games he has played in – highlighted by two five-goal hauls and two best on ground performances in the past three weeks.
Talking about his decision to focus on football, Gown knew he had to choose between the two sports.
“To make sure I’m fully focused on footy and to have a genuine crack at it this year, I had to put basketball aside,” he said.
“I played footy a few years ago [in 2015 for Warragul Industrials’ under-18s], but I was playing high-level basketball, so I had to give it away at the time and I’ve come back to football this year.”
After years away from the sport, to return to the football field – at TAC Cup level no less – and to perform so quickly is remarkable.
Gown talked about his transition.
“I think the first couple of games were a bit challenging with just trying to find the pace of the game and where your skills need to be at, but I definitely feel like I’ve found my feet now,” he said.
Gown’s ability to compete at every contest and sound goal-kicking makes him a very dangerous forward. Taking a strong grab and then finishing off his work with a set shot on goal doesn’t daunt him.
Perhaps it’s his exposure to high-level basketball and intense situations – he has represented Victoria on many occasions – that has him unfazed by the big moments.
Last year Gown travelled to the USA to play AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball against some of the best young basketballers in America.
Playing for the ‘Aussie Elite’ team, Gown was superb and even went head-to-head with one of the most hyped high school basketballers in recent memory; LaMelo Ball – the younger brother of Los Angeles Laker Lonzo Ball.
Although the Aussie Elite team ultimately fell to the ‘Big Ballers’ 94-89, it was a game Gown won’t soon forget.
“It was pretty crazy really; obviously you see [LaMelo Ball] on social media and then actually getting to play against him was pretty surreal,” he said.
Gown utilises plenty of his basketball attributes on the football field and the work ethic he has developed over many years of tireless training has served him well in his transition back to football.
“It has definitely complimented my football in many ways – with hand-eye coordination and just physical strength as well,” he said.
“It has certainly helped me get to where I am at the moment.
“Being in the high-level environment that I was in with basketball, it’s very similar to what it is like down at Gippsland.”
Last week, Gown received an invitation to the Victorian State Combine, which will be held at Etihad Stadium on Saturday 5 October. This provides Gown another opportunity to impress in front of representatives from all AFL clubs.
“It should be good,” he said.
“I didn’t initially test that well at the start of the year, so hopefully I can step it up this time around.”
The combine assesses a player’s strength and skill through many trials including kicking, clean hands, agility, jumping and running tests.
Gippsland is absolutely flying – sitting second on the ladder with two games left to play – and Gown is looking forward to the finals, believing this Power squad could produce something special.
“Our teamwork and with the way we’ve bonded so far this year has been a massive complement to our team and I think we can definitely go all the way,” he said.
Gown’s growth over the length of the season has been tremendous. He credits the coaches at Gippsland Power in helping him improve and one person in particular.
“My Pop,” he said.
“He’s a massive asset of mine and he gives me lot of feedback after games. He comes to every game and he’s been crucial with my development.”
With a powerful and eye-catching game, Noah Gown is certainly one to watch at the business end of the TAC Cup season.
