Is James the next to join the Panther premiership party?

18 May Is James the next to join the Panther premiership party?

There’s a sense of excitement each time Bell Post Hill livewire Matthew James outruns his opponent to the ball.

GDFL fans will hope his form continues when representing the Raiders in tomorrow’s interleague clash against the Heathcote DFNL at North Geelong.

“It’s not only good  to represent Bell Post Hill but the entire GDFL league because it’s going to be a big occasion,” James said.

“There are a lot of talented Inverleigh boys in our side so I’ll enjoy playing alongside them.”

The 23-year-old’s run and carry at each stoppage has already done enough to establish himself as one of the league’s most reliable midfielders after only six senior GDFL games.

And such has been the long haired dasher’s comparison to AFL legend John Platten in recent weeks that he now looms as another contender for tomorrow’s Daryl ‘Sid’ Jones medal.

However James’ journey has had its obstacles in recent years.

While fellow Raiders’ debutants Jackson Smith (Southern FNL) and Justin Baxter (GFL) trained with their powerhouse league squads James was absent from the game in 2017.

After playing in only two wins from 28 senior games at North Shore from 2015-16 the former Bell Post Hill junior opted to return home only for the Seagulls to decline his clearance.

“It was a pretty tough 12-18 month period and it was also pretty tough to watch from the sidelines but I just had to suck it up and I’m here (GDFL) now,” James continued.

“Last year I tried to stay away from footy because it was getting to me.”

He continued, “I still watched the AFL and on a Saturday night Basher (BPH coach Brad Martin) and some of the other boys would text me to tell me how they went and see how I was going.”

“I guess they felt a bit bad for me but I was over the moon that they won and hopefully I can be a part of one this year; that’s the ultimate aim.”

Since making his long awaited GDFL debut against Belmont he has helped guide the Panthers to a 5-1 record in their quest for a fifth straight flag (and eighth since 2010).

Though James has been named on ball next to reigning Heathcote DFNL Cheatley medallist Jarrod Findlay (North Bendigo) he may also be utilised on either Osbourne Park wing.

By Alex Tigani
GDFL Media (18/05/2018)