James Aish

James Aish (born 8 November 1995) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Early life

Aish was drafted by the Lions with their first selection, pick 7, in the 2013 AFL Draft. Before starting his AFL career, Aish broke a South Australian National Football League (SANFL) record by becoming the youngest Norwood player in 134 years to debut at league level. He was 16 on his SANFL debut at Norwood and has since played in SANFL premierships in both 2012 and 2013. Aish received Under 18 All-Australian honours in both 2012 and 2013.

He is the son of former Norwood midfielder Andrew Aish, the nephew of 1981 Magarey Medallist Michael Aish and the grandson of former skipper Peter Aish.

AFL career

Aish was drafted by the Brisbane Lions with their first selection and 7th overall in the 2013 AFL draft. He made his debut in the opening round of the 2014 AFL season against Hawthorn where he collected 17 disposals. He collected a season-high 25 disposals (including 12 contested), laid four tackles and kicked a goal in round 6 against St Kilda, which not only helped the Lions secure their first win of the season, but also earned him a Rising Star nomination.

He went on to play in all but one of the team's 21 senior matches (he was rested from the Lions' Round 14 clash against Fremantle in Perth) and collected 20 or more disposals on nine occasions. Aish ranked 6th at the club in total disposals (370), 4th in marks (94), 5th in tackles (77), and 7th in clearances (43). He finished fourth in the NAB AFL Rising Star award - behind Lions teammate Lewis Taylor who was awarded the Ron Evans Medal - and finished ninth in his maiden Merrett-Murray Medal count.

In October 2015, he was traded to the Collingwood Football Club.

Statistics

Statistics are correct to the end of the 2016 season