James Stewart opens up on the death of father Craig and being delisted by Essendon with a year to go on his contract
Former Bomber and Giant James Stewart is looking for a new home after being delisted, with the utility being one of the faces of a new trend that is starting to occur at AFL clubs.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Amid the shock and confusion of his Essendon delisting with a season left on his contract, James Stewart went searching for clarity.
How could a seemingly iron-clad contract actually guarantee very little about your football future?
In a season where Stewart spent weeks in a “mental fog” processing the sudden death of father Craig Stewart, a 150-game ‘Hafey’s Hero’ at the Pies and Richmond, was it legal to sack him mid-contract?
As former GWS and Essendon swingman Stewart told this masthead this week, the answers said everything about the ruthless nature of the code.
The 29-year-old has just returned from a Bali training camp injury free after season-long foot issues, and is adamant he has years of high-level football ahead.
His seven-year stint at the Dons might be over, but, as he explores new opportunities across the AFL, he is also hopeful his situation does not become a league-wide trend.
Stewart, Carlton’s Lachie O’Brien and Port Adelaide’s Jake Pasini have all been delisted in recent weeks with a year left on existing contracts, as clubs make brutal decisions on contracted players.
“Prior to this year I hadn’t seen it happen too often,” said Stewart.
“It was mostly older players with injuries who agreed to finish up. I did look into it, even if I knew it wouldn’t change Essendon’s decision. But I was told a contract protects your cash, it doesn’t protect your list spot.
“I found it difficult to rationalise the decision. At the end of the day I have to accept it. But I am in a spot where at 29 I feel I have got so much great footy ahead of me.”
Already St Kilda has shown some interest in Stewart training with the club over summer for a list spot, with his management assessing the level of interest at Sydney.
He could effectively be free to a good home, given his Essendon contract might offset a new 2024 deal, but his only desire is to find a new landing spot.
Stewart was already battling a long-running foot issue when a challenging season turned tragic.
Father Craig passed away in the first days of June, taking away James’ best friend and football mentor.
“We were best mates. Talk about being a part of your life and footy journey. He was that. We spoke twice a day. I would ring him on the way home from training every day. We were extremely close. So close that I still haven’t processed that he is gone. I still feel like his number will bob up and he will give me a call. It’s very, very strange and surreal,” he said.
“I really struggled for a couple of months. I took time away from the club and found it really difficult.
“I am not the only one to go through such a sudden and unexpected loss of a close family member, but I had never experienced it. Dad was so deeply connected to my footy journey and career and he is such a massive part of why I played.”
Stewart eventually returned to the club and football, playing two late-season games in the VFL at a club that was about to bring Ben McKay into its defensive makeup.
Then came a decision from Essendon that Stewart believes should have been done with some more tact and compassion from coach Brad Scott.
“There was no forewarning. I am realistic that I have to perform but at the same time I had taken time away and then was gearing up for 2024. My body was in such a good spot and I wanted to crack back in and play finals with the team and get ready for 2024,” he said.
“I got pulled into a meeting before the last round of the season and had a discussion. I knew I was leaving my run late but I was pulled into a meeting and they said this decision has been made.
“I said I would have hoped to have your backing but I will roll up and prove you wrong.
“I have been around the industry long enough to know not many of us get a Joel Selwood-style ending but at the same time I think it could have been handled better.”
In the end, Stewart’s own injury history might have counted against him – only six AFL games since 2021 – with a club keen to give young key back Zach Reid chances alongside McKay.
It didn’t make it easier for Stewart to hear.
“I was only just coming out of the mental fog of everything I have been through. That is starting to clear up so it’s an interesting spot to be in but it could be a real springboard for me and I think it will be. I am physically in amazing condition. My body is clean and that’s what makes it harder.
“There were moments where, as an experienced player who has been in and around the industry, you can have an open and honest conversation with your players. There was no forewarning but I am more than motivated given what I have been through. The motivation shifts. Not to prove people there wrong, but to prove people like my dad right who believe in me and what I can do.”
Stewart is emphatic that his best football – whether in attack or defence – is good enough if he can only be given another chance.
“I am sitting here at 29 as fit as I was at 15. I am in my prime window. That is where it is hard. I am not ready to walk away from footy. I am so bullish about my ability and where I am in my career.
“The people who made the decision didn’t get to see me at my full potential but in your career you have ups and downs so sometimes things happen for a reason.”
More Coverage
Originally published as James Stewart opens up on the death of father Craig and being delisted by Essendon with a year to go on his contract
Aussie star unrecognisable as AFL champ
A beloved Aussie has kicked off Halloween by dressing up as popular AFL star Bailey Smith.
Courtney Act’s homage to AFL star
The Australian drag queen and TV personality rang in the spooky season by dressing as “the only AFL player gay men know” and the impression was uncanny.