James Gwilt

Infobox afl player


firstname = James
lastname = Gwilt


| birthdate = birth date and age|df=yes|1986|8|11
birthplace =
originalteam = Noble Park
dead = alive
deathdate =
deathplace =
heightweight = 188cm / 88kg
debutdate = Round 22, 27 August 2005
debutteam = St Kilda
debutopponent = Brisbane Lions
debutstadium = Telstra Dome
playingteams = St Kilda (2005-)23 games, 5 goals
coach = notcoach
coachingteams =
statsend = Round 22, 2008
careerhighlights =

James Gwilt (born 11 August 1986) is an Australian rules football player for the St Kilda Football Club.

At debut he was only one of two AFL players (the other being Mal Michael) to have a Papua New Guinean parent. His mother is from Papua New Guinea [Lucky Jim to join the Saints; Peter Hanlon - The Age - 21 November 2004] and his father, Jason, is of Welsh descent and immigrated with his parents and siblings from Crowle in Worcestershire, England to Australia. He played Aussie Rules in Port Moresby. [ [http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsid=56434 AFL a diverse world] ]

Gwilt began his football in suburban football instead of participating in the TAC Cup, Victoria's premier under-18 competition. He played for Noble Park in the Eastern Football League and was best on ground in the league's grand final in 2004.

The Saints made a surprising pick in the 2004 AFL National Draft by selecting Gwilt in the 4th Round.

Gwilt played in the 2005 finals series games, impressing with his strong defensive skills, tackling, spoiling and setting up play from the rebound. Despite his stunning start he lapsed into inconsistent form and spent most of 2006 playing with VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions.

He returned with a total of 8 games in 2007, with his best being a 21 possession game against Carlton at the Telstra Dome. He was nominated for the AFL's Army Award in Round 11 of that year. Gwilt struggled for opportunities early in 2008, but returned to the senior side in Round 11. He has enjoyed better form since being played as a forward, including a good performance in St Kilda's semi-final win against Collingwood.

References

External links

* [http://saints.com.au/default.asp?pg=players&spg=playerprofile&personid=352315 St Kilda Saints James Gwilt player profile]