Career
Born in Mudgee, New South Wales, Downes signed for on 1 August 2004 by ex manager Roy MacFarland after having trials at Bolton Wanderers and a short spell at non league outfit Frickley Athletic. Before moving to England he was a player at the Australian Institute of Sport. At the end of the 2006-2007 season following his side"s relegation to Football League Two not only did he sign an extension to his current contract at but he also was made team captain of following the departure of ex captain Mark Allott.
On 22 April 2009, Downes signed a new 2-year contract extension with, despite the defender picking up a serious knee injury before the contract was signed.
He was released by the club at the end of the 2011-2012 season having suffered further serious injuries during his tenure. In July 2012 Downes signed a one-year contract with Torquay United.
Manager, Martin Ling said of Downes, "He needs someone to take a punt and that is the right word for a player who has suffered two cruciates". In June 2013, he signed a new two-year contract to keep him at Torquay United until 2015.
On 11 May 2015, Downes signed for Cheltenham Town F.C. Over the years he has worked his way up at international level starting at the 2005 Fédération internationale de football association World Youth Championship in the Netherlands He was also called up by the Olyroos – the Australia national under-23 football team
Club International Individual.