James Peatling GWS Giants and Adelaide Crows AFL Clubs

A Premiership Player’s Path to the National Stage

James Peatling’s journey from the Pennant Hills Demons to AFL football is a story of persistence, development and making the most of an opportunity. After progressing through local football and the GWS Giants Academy, James earned his place on an AFL list through the 2021 Mid-Season Rookie Draft, becoming the Giants’ first-ever mid-season selection.

His career has since taken him from a Pennant Hills premiership to AFL finals and a move to the Adelaide Crows, where he has continued developing as a competitive, clearance-winning midfielder.

From Westbrook to Pennant Hills

Known as “JP”, James joined Westbrook Junior AFL Club in 2013 before progressing to Pennant Hills. In the Demons’ Under 19s, he played alongside fellow future AFL draftees Ely Smith and Kieren Briggs, including in the finals team. He entered the Under 19s in 2016, aged 15, playing four matches that year and five overall. The Club records 22 appearances and nine goals across five seasons at Pennant Hills.

A Premier Division Premiership in 2017

James made his Premier Division debut against UTS in Round 18, 2017, a 112-point victory. He remained with the senior side through the season’s final five matches, kicking a goal in Penno’s 66–60 Grand Final win over Sydney University. The premiership team also included Kieren Briggs, who would later become his teammate at GWS. Their shared success at Pennant Hills was recognised in a subsequent Giants feature reflecting on the Demons’ 2017 premiership and the talent developed during that period.

Academy and Representative Football

Alongside his club football, James developed through the GWS Giants Academy, which he joined at Under 13/14 level. His progression brought opportunities to play representative football and test himself against senior opposition before receiving an AFL contract. Training opportunities with the Giants also gave James an insight into the demands of professional football. During an Academy placement in 2018, he worked alongside Toby Greene while recovering from injury and spoke about learning how to train with the intensity and discipline required of an elite athlete.

Persistence Rewarded: The 2021 Mid-Season Draft

James’ AFL opportunity did not arrive immediately. After being overlooked in previous drafts, he continued working towards selection through the Giants’ development pathway and joined their VFL program in 2021. Before becoming a full-time footballer, he worked on a Christmas tree farm.

His VFL performances gave recruiters a compelling reason to reconsider. Across his first five matches of 2021, he averaged 22 possessions, including a 33-disposal performance against Port Melbourne. Playing through the midfield and across half-back, he demonstrated the speed, agility and competitiveness that the Giants valued. On 2 June 2021, James was selected with pick eight in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft. At 20, he had secured the opportunity he had continued working towards—and joined former Penno teammate Kieren Briggs on the Giants’ AFL list.

Reflecting on the setbacks before his selection, James acknowledged how close he had come to giving up:

“There were a few times I nearly threw it away so I’m just really grateful.”

— James Peatling, GWS Giants debut feature, 2021.

An Impressive AFL Debut

James made his AFL debut against Port Adelaide in Round 20, 2021, at Marvel Stadium, less than two months after being drafted. He collected 19 disposals, including 14 kicks, and seven marks in an assured first appearance.

His number 45 jumper was presented by assistant coach Adam Schneider, the former Sydney Swans and St Kilda player. The Club’s profile also records Most Valuable Giant recognition for his debut performance.

James finished his first AFL season with four appearances: against Port Adelaide in Round 20, Geelong in Round 21, Richmond in Round 22, and Geelong again in the semi-final, when he entered as the substitute. His progress was recognised at the Giants’ awards night, where he received the 2021 Development Award. It capped a season in which he had moved from the VFL program to an AFL list and experienced finals football.

Developing His Game at GWS

James continued building his experience over the following seasons, showing an ability to contribute in different roles. During 2022, a move forward produced nine goals across three games under coach Mark McVeigh. The Giants rewarded his progress with a two-year contract extension.

His most significant breakthrough came in 2024, when he played 19 AFL matches, including both of the Giants’ finals. Greater midfield opportunity allowed him to demonstrate his ability to win contested possession, apply pressure and influence important moments.

Against Melbourne that season, he produced 28 disposals, 18 contested possessions, eight clearances and 11 tackles. Two late tackles helped protect a narrow lead and secure victory. Earlier in the year, a contested mark deep in defence had helped the Giants hold on for a one-point win over St Kilda. These performances highlighted a player becoming increasingly capable of contributing when games were on the line. By the end of his GWS career, James had played 45 AFL games and kicked 16 goals.

A New Chapter with the Adelaide Crows

In October 2024, James joined the Adelaide Crows through a trade with GWS. Adelaide received James and the Giants’ future third- and fourth-round draft selections in exchange for a future second-round pick. The Crows identified his clearance work, running ability and defensive pressure as qualities that would strengthen their midfield. He chose Adelaide on a four-year agreement after attracting interest from several AFL clubs. The move also reunited him with familiar faces, including Nick Murray, with whom he had played in the Giants Academy and NEAFL, and fellow former Giant Isaac Cumming.

Making an Impact in Adelaide

James made his Adelaide debut in Round 1, 2025, in a 63-point victory over St Kilda at Adelaide Oval. He contributed 19 disposals, three tackles and a goal, beginning his Crows career in front of family and friends. Speaking afterwards, he described the atmosphere at Adelaide Oval and the excitement of receiving his guernsey before the match. He also discussed the value of versatility, with the ability to spend time both in the midfield and forward depending on the team’s needs. He went on to play 23 AFL games in 2025, including Adelaide’s qualifying final and semi-final, and finished the season with 12 goals.

Continuing His Career in 2026

James added 21 AFL appearances in 2026, averaging approximately 19.6 disposals per game. His season included a strong Round 4 performance against Fremantle, when he recorded 25 disposals, nine clearances, six tackles and a goal. The latter part of his season brought an injury setback. Adelaide reported that hip and groin soreness ruled him out of its final home-and-away match and the subsequent elimination final against the Western Bulldogs. By the end of the 2026 season, James’ AFL record stood at 89 games and 32 goals across GWS and Adelaide.

A Proud Part of the Pennant Hills Pathway

James’ football story connects Westbrook, Pennant Hills, the Giants Academy, state-league competition and the AFL. His development illustrates that there is no single timetable for reaching the highest level: his opportunity came after representative football, senior experience and several draft disappointments.

In Adelaide’s “Get to Know James Peatling” feature, James identified Sydney’s Hills district as the place where he grew up and Westbrook Bulldogs as his junior club. Those beginnings, together with his premiership-winning time at Pennant Hills, form an important part of his football history.

The Pennant Hills Demons are proud of James’ achievements and wish him continued success with the Adelaide Crows.