James Strauss just wants another chance to impress as uncontracted Demon seeks AFL lifeline

JAMES Strauss doesn’t have a contract for 2015 and has been told by Paul Roos he’ll be put up for trade when the AFL exchange period opens today.

Out-of-contract Melbourne player James Strauss keeping himself fit hoping to be givin a lifeline and traded to another club by the Dees. Pic: Michael Klein

JAMES Strauss knows he’s in football limbo.

James Strauss has been in the AFL system for six years. Pic: Michael Klein

The speedy half-back with a deadly right foot hasn’t officially been cut by Melbourne.

But he doesn’t have a contract for 2015 and has been told by Paul Roos he’ll be put up for trade when the AFL exchange period opens today.

And the uncertainty clouding his life — he cannot make long-term plans and must retain prime fitness until he knows his sporting future — could drag on for more than a month, should be become a delisted free agent.

Strauss is not alone. He’s the face of a handful of players at every club.

But the 24-year-old is not annoyed at the system, rather thankful for the avenues which could lead to a second AFL chance.

It’s one he is desperate for.

“I’m not 100 per cent sure on anything, it’s a bit of time in waiting,” he said.

“I’m nervous not knowing if anything is going to happen, but it’s exciting because if something does happen it’s a new beginning and a fresh start.”

And he feels like he’s been here before.

“When you’re 18 all you want to do is play AFL and I’m now in a similar situation,” he said.

Strauss joined the Demons with pick 19 in the 2008 draft.

Strauss, a damaging midfielder, had recruiters excited over his bullet-like foot skills and acceleration, even if there were knocks on his defensive game.

“That’s (my disposal) one of the major reasons I got drafted where I did,” Strauss said.

“If I was lucky enough to get another opportunity I could walk into a side and not be taught how to use the footy or read the game.

“I just want another opportunity. I’ve been in the system six years, I know what AFL footy is about and I’ll go anywhere.”

James Strauss hopes to complete his first full pre-season.

Ironically, Strauss is ready for his first full pre-season. This is the first year he has avoided surgery, which has included two shoulder reconstructions and a horrifically broken leg suffered against Carlton in 2011.

Strauss still can’t watch the vision of that trauma, which effectively cost him 12 months after his initial return saw an embedded screw pushed further in when he copped a kick to the shin.

In Strauss’ time at Melbourne he’s had five AFL coaches, four VFL coaches and plenty more line coaches.

The inconsistency of message has been “challenging” and Strauss was not picked in any Demons squad by Paul Roos this year.

Casey coach Rohan Welsh — who also mentored Strauss at Oakleigh Chargers — was surprised his late-season form surge went unrewarded.

“If I look across Melbourne’s list, I find he’s one of the very few players who can run and hit targets,” Welsh said.

“We kept throwing his name up, but they never went with him unfortunately.”

Welsh said Strauss would be a value pick for any club, adding few boast his kicking penetration.

Strauss isn’t bitter about the swagger of injuries he’s had or falling out of favour this year.

After 77 AFL and VFL games he’s pragmatic, says footy has its ups and downs and just hopes his career isn’t done with yet.

He’s watched mates come and go but now wants to emulate the success of former Demons Ricky Petterd (Richmond) and Jamie Bennell (West Coast).

“Whether it’s Melbourne or elsewhere, I know I have a lot to add to a footy club yet,” he said.

Originally published as James Strauss just wants another chance to impress as uncontracted Demon seeks AFL lifeline