GIANTS youngster James Leake will make his AFL debut in the GIANTS’ blockbuster Opening Round clash with Collingwood.
Dubbed ‘Mr Fix It’ coming out of the draft due to his ability to play on all three lines, the GIANTS were thrilled to select Leake with pick 17 in the first round of the 2023 AFL Draft.
Hailing from Launceston – where he won a state league premiership at just 16 years of age – Leake is an extremely versatile footballer who is strong in the contest, has clean hands and is great above his head, and someone with a great willingness to compete and use his physicality on the opposition.
Leake’s upcoming AFL debut comes following a brilliant summer on the track and an impressive showing against Carlton in last week’s AAMI Community Series clash, with the well-built Tasmanian registering 18 disposals, four tackles, six clearances and two contested marks to further solidify his claims for an early-season debut.
The 19-year-old was informed of his upcoming debut by vice-captain Josh Kelly to the delight of Leake and teammates in a surprise meeting in coach Adam Kingsley’s office at the club on Friday.
“They’re [emotions] pretty unreal at the moment,” Leake said soon after receiving the news.
“It’s been a long day sort of waiting around and I was hopeful that I would get the call up but obviously there’s never a guarantee, but now that it’s been announced I’m over the moon to be honest – I’m stoked.”
The tough midfielder admitted it had been a long 24 hours after being named in the GIANTS’ extended squad on Thursday night.
“I was happy to get in the squad last night but it I struggled to sleep last night if I’m being honest.
“But then I got here and trained this morning and it was business as usual and then as I said it was a bit of a long wait this afternoon but I’m just stoked that it’s official.”
Leake couldn’t hold back his excitement at making his AFL debut in the club’s Opening Round clash with the Pies.
“I remember last year being injured and going to the game [Opening Round v Collingwood last year] and watching it and hoping that one day I could play in a game like that and now that it’s come around this year, I’m just very grateful for the opportunity and to be in the position that I’m in.”
Leake’s debut comes after an up and down first season with the club last year, with the tough utility looking to break in the GIANTS’ side last season before a persistent quad injury forced him to spend a chunk of time on the sidelines.
Despite the injury woes, Leake returned to the field in the second half of the 2024 season where he played some dominant football for the club’s VFL side. The talented Tasmanian was then able to carry over that momentum into his second summer at the club where his hard work and talent will now see him don the orange and charcoal for the first time at AFL level in Sunday’s huge season opener against the Pies at ENGIE Stadium.
Leake was drafted by the club after dominating for the Tassie Devils at underage level in the Coates Talent League in 2023 playing across all three lines, as well as for his brilliant performances for the Allies in their National Championship winning campaign.
Leake’s versatility was highlighted by earning All-Australian honours for his performance in the Allies’ backline before shifting to the forward line for Tasmania where he kicked 15 goals in the final five games of the season.
Further showcasing his versatility, Leake has predominantly played as an inside midfielder across his second pre-season at the GIANTS.
Leake will make his AFL debut under the eyes of the footy world as the GIANTS and the Pies clash in a mouthwatering match-up at ENGIE Stadium at 3:20pm on Sunday afternoon.
