The Brisbane Lions are deeply saddened by the passing of former CEO Michael Bowers.
Mr Bowers replaced Andrew Ireland as CEO following the Lions’ breakthrough 2001 premiership and was at the helm as the Club completed the three-peat with Grand Final victories over Collingwood in 2002 and 03.
He remained in the role until 2010.
Lions director and Premiership coach Leigh Matthews remembered Bowers as a strong supporter of the football program who deserved recognition for his contribution to the Club’s success in the early 2000s.
“Michael was an influential figure in a successful period for our Club,’’ he said.
“We knew as a football department that Michael would always do everything in his power to give us the best chance to be successful.
“I’ve stayed in contact with Michael over the years and he has always remained a very passionate supporter of the Club.’’
Former chairman Tony Kelly said Bowers had made his mark not only on the Lions and the AFL in Queensland, but across many sports.
“I thought Michael was an incredibly hard-working CEO, he was very passionate about the Lions, he wore his heart on his sleeve and would take on a fight, even with the AFL, if he thought it would take the club forward.
“He was a bull in that sense.
“He was a great sporting person, he was well known in cricket circles through his association with University Cricket club and was also an instrumental office bearer at the Indooroopilly Golf Club, so there are a lot of sporting types around the city who would be mourning his passing today.’’
Mr Bowers, 57, lost his two-year battle with cancer on Monday night. He is survived by his sons Mack, Hamish and Campbell.
The Club sends its deepest condolences to partner Emma and the entire Bowers family.
