Billy Dowling
Australian rules footballer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Edward Dowling (born 1 July 2004) is a professional Australian rules footballer who was selected by the Adelaide Football Club as the number 43 pick in the 2022 AFL draft.[2] He previously played for North Adelaide in the SANFL at amateur level.
Adelaide, Australia
| Billy Dowling | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dowling in 2025 | |||
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | William Edward Dowling[1] | ||
| Born |
1 July 2004 Adelaide, Australia | ||
| Original teams | North Adelaide (SANFL), Walkerville Football Club (Adelaide Footy League) | ||
| Draft | No. 43, 2022 national draft | ||
| Debut | Round 13, 2024, Adelaide vs. Richmond, at Adelaide Oval | ||
| Height | 187 cm (6 ft 2 in) | ||
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lb) | ||
| Position | Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Adelaide | ||
| Number | 31 | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2023– | Adelaide | 10 (6) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of the 2025 season. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
AFL career
Dowling was picked up by Adelaide at pick number 43 in the 2022 national draft from the North Adelaide Football Club.[2]
Dowling shone bright in the SANFL for Adelaide, but struggled to move forward into the senior side due to the strong midfield group of Jordan Dawson, Rory Laird, and Matt Crouch. In July 2023, Dowling added to his rookie contract by signing on until the end of 2026.[3]
After an impressive run of form, and an injury to fellow on-baller Matt Crouch,[4] Dowling's long-awaited debut was announced on 4 June 2024, two days prior to Adelaide's round 13 game against Richmond at the Adelaide Oval.[5] Dowling debuted with 17 disposals, 1 goal, and 9 marks, to finish as the sixth-highest rated Crow of the night (according to AFL Fantasy)[6] in a disheartening loss for the club.[7] After Dan Curtin, Dowling was the second Crow to make their AFL debut in 2024.