Career
McGowan, who hailed from New South Wales, spent his time at South Melbourne roving beside Bob Skilton. He was South Melbourne"s second top vote getter in the 1959 and finished equal tenth overall. In 1961 he topped his clubs goal-kicking with 38 goals.
The previous year he had been their best forward with 54 goals.
He captained Glenelg in 1966, to a wooden spoon, before retiring at the end of the season.