Our Season Summary looks back at how each GIANTS player fared during the 2015 AFL season.
Name: James Stewart
Number: 36
2015 Games: 13 AFL, 7 NEAFL
AFL Fantasy Average: 50
Awards: Nil
Background: James Stewart was selected with pick 27 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft and made his debut in the GIANTS’ final game of 2013 against the Gold Coast Suns.
Best Game: AFL Round 7 v Carlton - 16 touches, 4 marks, 4 inside-50s and 2 goals.
Summary: This was Stewart’s best season in the AFL, playing 13 matches and taking another big step in his development despite suffering glandular fever in the off-season. The 21-year-old kicked 15 goals in the AFL and a further 14 goals at NEAFL level. He played a vital role covering injured big-man Jon Patton who was returning from a second knee reconstruction. An athletic half-forward, Stewart worked hard to improve his leading patterns and was at times a tough match-up for opposition defenders. Stewart also pinched-hit in the ruck to help cover the resting ruckman.
Pat On The Back: While Stewart contributed to the scoreboard it was his defensive pressure which stood out this season. There was a 4-week period in June where he averaged more than four tackles per game. He also jumped in the ruck when he was needed.
What They Said: “It was a less than ideal start for Jimmy (suffering glandular fever) but he found his feet and earned his opportunity.” - GIANTS Coach Leon Cameron
Look Ahead: Finding consistency over four quarters will be a focus for Stewart in 2016 but the experience gained this season will hold him in good stead trying to lock-down a key position role.
