The delisted Geelong Cats midfielder has signed on with St Mary’s despite hope he would return to Daylesford, where he is a 2007 Central Highlands premiership player.

Cowan had been sought by at least one other GFL club after his exit from the Cats in September.

Saints co-coach Travis Robertson said St Mary’s had been in discussion with Cowan either side of Christmas and believed he would be a big boost to helping the Saints improve on consecutive grand final losses.

“The playing list was vocal when we (Robertson and co-coach Glenn Keast) started that they thought they needed a it of expertise and experience back into the midfield,” Robertson told Geelong radio K-Rock.

“I’m hoping that he’ll add that.”

Cowan had a frustrating eight years with Geelong, plagued by Archilles and hamstring injuries.

The Cats continued to invest in him and spoke highly of his resilience and determination.

“Josh’s great character and resilience held him in high regard with his teammates and coaches over his eight years at Geelong,” Cats’ general manager of football Simon Lloyd told geelongcats.com.au on his delisting.

“Josh has and will continue to be greatly respected by everyone at the club and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”

Cowan was drafted to Geelong in 2009 from North Ballarat Rebels and played 16 AFL games, including two last season.

His time on-field for the Cats reaped 15 AFL wins with Cowan’s only defeat with the Cats in the 2016 preliminary final against Sydney at the MCG.

Cowan made his AFL debut against Gold Coast Suns in 2011 and played three matches before injury troubles kept him sidelined 1384 days before his next match.

It was the second-longest sideline experienced by an AFL player on a list at that time.

Robertson did not expect Cowan to play every game for the Saints due to ongoing efforts to manage his body.

“He’s maintained his fitness,” Robertson said. “He’s obviously had his fitness challenges, but he’s also worked out what works for him and what doesn’t.

“...So he’s ready to go in terms of that sort of fitness. But we’ll need to monitor all that and make sure we get him right at the end of the year.”

Cowan will join St Mary’s as a top-level six-point player, having been an AFL-listed player last year. He signs with Geelong VFL player Dean Gore (also six points).

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