The rise of James Peatling: From VFL player and super sub to in-demand AFL trade target

James Peatling rose from fringe player to one of the AFL’s most in-demand trade targets. LACHLAN MCKIRDY unpacks why he was chased by six clubs and what the Crows can expect.

He’s the kid from north-western Sydney who has quickly become the most in-demand player this AFL trade period.

It’s been a rapid rise to fame for James Peatling, the Giants’ Academy product who became an integral part of their best 23 by the end of 2024.

However, off-contract after this season, the 24-year-old reportedly had seven clubs in the competition chasing after his services.

He’s now requested a move to Adelaide, but Collingwood, Melbourne, St Kilda, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs all had reported interest in the talented midfielder.

So, what attributes has Peatling shown this year to grab the attention of so many clubs? And why is it so important for the Giants that they hang onto another one of their homegrown talents?

MIDFIELDER BY TRADE

Peatling made 19 appearances for the Giants in 2024, with seven of those as the sub. He built a reputation early in the season for his ability to quickly have an impact, however, it’s important to note his development throughout the season.

A strong performance against the Swans in round 8 wasn’t enough to keep his place and he spent the next two months bouncing in and out of the team. However, when he appeared in the VFL he looked far too good for that level, averaging 30 disposals, five tackles and two goals a game.

The 24-year-old had well and truly earned his place as a starting midfielder for Adam Kingsley’s side by season’s end. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

He returned to play every match for Adam Kingsley’s team from round 17 onwards, while earning his place in the starting side by round 19 against the Suns. What he brought to the table was unquestionable effort and immense pressure around the ball. He also finally displayed the consistency that Kingsley had been hoping to see from him.

Peatling registered a career-high 28 disposals in the win against Melbourne, on top of 11 tackles and eight clearances. His work rate was regularly praised by Kingsley as the Giants put together a strong run to end the year.

Importantly, he has been rewarded for finally taking his midfield opportunities with both hands. Before round 15 he only attended approximately a third of the Giants’ centre bounces. From round 17 onwards, he was at nearly half of them and had the third-highest attendance rate of any Giant.

His late-season averages also match that of a quality midfielder growing in confidence thanks to the experience he was gaining.

CLUTCH MOMENTS

There’s nothing like a few headline-grabbing moments to put your value through the roof in a contract year. And Peatling did exactly that this season.

Firstly, it started in the Giants’ dramatic one-point win over St Kilda in Canberra.

Peatling has proven he’s happy to put his body on the line for his side. Picture: Phil Hillyard

After coming on as the sub, he produced a sensational mark in the final minute of the game, saving the result for GWS and handing them an important home victory.

Then during his best-on-ground showing against the Dees, Peatling made a crucial tackle inside the final minute to stop one last Melbourne attack.

It’s a quality that Kingsley’s side were crying out for this year, especially in the two finals where they were unable to hold onto a lead. It’s a good sign for Peatling that he’s shown he can stand up in the biggest moments so early in his career.

LOCKDOWN ABILITY

If not for Joe Daniher’s late heroics, Peatling likely would have been the star of the show during the Giants’ semi-final against the Lions.

Their disappointing defeat after being 44 points up has been well scrutinised, but Peatling was one of the main reasons they were in that position to start with.

Sent to play a defensive role on All-Australian Dayne Zorko, Peatling kicked two goals with his first two touches of the game. The pressure he applied to Zorko also saw the former Brisbane captain at fault for multiple Giants goals.

A study of that game, particularly the first three-quarters, highlights Peatling’s versatility not just as an on-ball midfielder, but in playing a role for Kingsley.

Peatling celebrates one of two goals against the Lions in the semi final. Picture: Phil Hillyard

WANTS TO STAY

Ahead of the finals, Peatling made it very clear to this masthead that his priority was to stay at the Giants. “Coming through the junior ranks, and being from Sydney as well, I’d love to stay here,” he said.

He also spoke extensively about the belief he gained from earning a spot in the midfield.

If you had assessed his prospects in June, you would have understood his desire to move to another club for opportunities. However, by the end of the season, he was entrenched in the best 23 and regularly appeared at centre bounces.

“I feel like when I play my best football, I can be in this midfield,” he said.

The key to his decision is two-fold. Firstly, what does his role look like in 2025? If it’s anything like the end of this season, Kingsley should be able to assure him of a position in the midfield which should be a tick.

Perryman’s move to Collingwood may open the door for his fellow Giants Academy product to be handed a bigger new deal. Picture: Phil Hillyard

But then there is the length of the contract and compensation. Initial reports suggested the Giants had tabled a three-year deal, but with Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman both confirmed to be on their way out, there is probably scope to up that offer.

While the Giants have a few other players they’re renegotiating with, Peatling has to be priority number one. Not only because of the level of interest across the competition which indicates his talent, but for the fact he is a local kid that represents what the club wants to become.

If Peatling can become a star of this Giants midfield going forward, it has the potential to spark the dreams of other kids in Western Sydney to play Aussie rules at the highest level. It’s a win-win for a club that needs every victory in the region it can get.

Originally published as The rise of James Peatling: From VFL player and super sub to in-demand AFL trade target