Billy Gowers’ journey to the Western Bulldogs was far from conventional.

The 21-year-old spent two years on Carlton’s rookie list before being delisted. Last year he worked full time as a real-estate agent and signed with Footscray in the VFL, training weeknights and playing weekends.

“I’m technically a real-estate agent. I’ve completed my Agent’s Representative. I did that in my second year at Carlton and worked full time last year doing residential leasing,” Gowers told westernbulldogs.com.au.

Gowers, who was taken at pick #9 in the 2017 Rookie Draft, made his debut in round one against Greater Western Sydney and instantly impressed. He has kicked a goal in all but one of his 11 matches for the Dogs (14 in total)– averaging 11 disposals, four marks and two tackles.

“I suppose I probably didn’t expect to play every game up until now. I obviously put a lot of work in, not only throughout the pre-season but the last few years to prepare myself best to have the start I’ve had.

“The club has been really good in terms of making the transition from the VFL program to the AFL program very seamless. Having similar coaches and medical staff, and other general staff, made it really easy to fit into the AFL program and obviously all of the boys have been really good as well.

“The preparation and professionalism around Carlton was really great and that sort of held me in good stead to have my body prepared for AFL footy.”

Having moved across to VU Whitten Oval, Gowers believes that the relationships he has built in his short time at the club have been a big drivers in his success.

“Easton Wood, as the captain, he’s been super. Jordan Roughead has been really good for me, he’s just a really good bloke as well. Blokes like Tommy Boyd up forward have been really good to work with.”

Building on his endurance and early season performances will be a focus for Gowers heading into the second half of the year.

“Having played the first eleven games in the AFL side, (a focus is to) build on my form and making sure I can play my role for the team probably better than I have been the last few weeks - making sure my consistency is really good and having my body in order to be able to perform each week.

“When my fitness and body gets up to standard in terms of AFL midfield, I think that’s something that could be really exciting for myself. At the moment I’m just enjoying playing my role up forward and hopefully getting into the midfield as much as possible.”