James Aish had to re-tool as a defender to get back into the Collingwood side

A TOP draft pick with talent to burn, James Aish has found his feet this season. He started his career as a midfielder, but he’ll run out for the Magpies on Saturday as a half back. ELIZA SEWELL looks at the transformation.

James Aish has had a strong year for the Magpies. Picture: Michael Klein

JAMES Aish was forced to re-skill as a defender mid-season to force his way back into Collingwood’s best 22.

The talented South Australian was having a much needed breakout year for the Magpies as a wingman before he was grounded by a PCL injury in Round 6.

In his absence Chris Mayne and Tom Phillips owned the grass between the arcs and Aish had to be re-born ahead of his Round 21 return.

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“They were valuable parts of the team and I think we had a few other injuries in the backline when I was coming back so the coaches probably thought that that was a spot they could see me helping the team,” Aish said.

“I played a couple of VFL games there to get a little bit of a feel for it.

“I’ve really enjoyed that side of it, I’ve really enjoyed the contested side and having an opponent you’ve got to try and beat.

James Aish has had a strong year for the Magpies. Picture: AAP Images

“Just the main thing this year it’s just not worry about the position … I’ve just thought, as long as I’m doing what I’m doing, I’ll be a valuable part of the team, wherever I am.”

When Aish was first injured he thought his season was over. But a conservative approach — Aish did not have surgery- worked a treat.

But he has great empathy for his not so fortunate teammates, including backmen Lynden Dunn and Matt Scharenberg.

“When the injury happened it was pretty much thought it’d be season over and surgery,” Aish said.

“I’ve been really fortunate how it’s fallen into place for me and my rehab went really well and I had enough time to get back into the team and push for a spot.

“I’ve been pretty lucky in that instance, especially with a few of the boys like Shaz and Dunny being injured and missing out, it’s pretty hard, it’s hard for them.

“I’m really grateful.”

Aish requested as trade from Brisbane to Collingwood for the 2016 season. He was a No. 7 draft pick and a midfielder with talent to burn.

Injuries and form curbed that potential, but this season he’s blossomed and despite the knee injury, he was rewarded with a two-year contract extension in June.

Aish said he wouldn’t trade his roller coaster career for anything.

Travis Varcoe of the Magpies and James Aish celebrate a goal for the Magpies. Picture: Getty Images

“The whole way I’ve always just done my best and just worked for the coaches and tried to find my way in the team,” he said.

“That’s all you can do. I’ve enjoyed the journey, it’s been a bit of a roller coaster but it’s been fun.

“That’s what makes footy, footy. You have tough times and you get better from it and you get better as a person as well.”