George Bowers was born in Lisburn, Ireland in 1886, and was in Adelaide by 1912. He played for the North Adelaide club in 1912 and 1913, and travelled to Broken Hill in 1912 with a state XI. He was a member of North’s successful team in a six-a-side tournament.
As a 29 year old unmarried labourer Bowers enlisted in the AIF in January 1916. He served with the 11th Field Ambulance in England and France and was not returned to Australia and discharged until May 1920. He was lucky to survive his war service without any wounds or serious illnesses.
George Bowers married May Young in Adelaide on 31 July 1920, but did not continue with football.