Joe Knowles and Jacob Dowse have both been rewarded with A-League contracts after starring for member federation clubs in this year’s Australia Cup Final Rounds.
Knowles was part of the Oakleigh side to reach the Semi Finals while Dowse captured attention with an eye catching goal in Broadmeadow’s Round of 32 clash against Bentleigh Greens.
Knowles impact for the Cannons throughout the cup was limited as a result of his ongoing trial with the Roar, however the 26-year-old did provide a trio of assists in his sides Round of 32 victory over Bonnyrigg White Eagles - the joint-most of any player in a game since the beginning of the 2021 tournament.
Knowles who netted 13 goals in 2022 was named joint winner of NPL Victoria Gold Medal alongside Heidelberg’s Kaine Sheppard.
The forward who scored against Leeds United whilst on trial for the Roar said he intended to grab his opportunity in the top flight with both hands.
“It’s great to be given the opportunity by Brisbane Roar to be able to go back into the A-League,” Knowles said.
“It’s been a bit tough last few years with COVID lockdowns and not being able to play a complete season in Melbourne but I’m glad how it’s all worked out and I’m glad I’m up here.
“I just want to be able to show that I deserve to be at this level and this is my second chance now.
“I just want to pay it back to Warren [Moon] and the team and hopefully we can have a good season and go on to make the top six and get into finals.”
Dowse grabbed headlines with a commanding finish for Broadmeadow who were eventually defeated by a 117th minute goal against Bentleigh in the Round of 32.
The 22-year-old, who’d scored 12 goals in 15 appearances for Magic then earned what proved to be a successful month-long trial with Perth Glory.
The former Newcastle Jets junior, who can operate equally effectively as a forward or a wide midfielder, reunites with former coach Ruben Zadkovich in the west.
“I’m loving it here, it’s very different to what I’m used to, but it’s a good different," Dowse said.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted; to be in an A-League environment and I’m loving it.
“Personally, I want to make my A-League debut and as a team, the top six is definitely a minimum goal and then whatever happens after that is a bonus.
“This season at Broadmeadow Magic I played in more of a striker role, but it’s definitely not out of my comfort zone to play as a left-back or a left-winger.
“I’m happy to fill in wherever I can to help the team.”
The 2022 Australia Cup Champions will be crowned on Saturday, October 1 when Sydney United 58 and Macarthur FC go head-to-head in the final at Commbank Stadium.
