AFL Draft Profile: James Barrat

A swingman who had a big impact at both ends of the field this year.

EDITOR | November 15, 2024 - 2:06pm

Bendigo Pioneers teenager James Barrat is a proven dual-position player, having flourished at both ends of the field across his commitments with several sides in 2024.

The 194cm swingman started his draft campaign as a forward for the Pioneers and quickly made a name for himself as an attacking weapon, kicking 18 goals in his first six games to combine nicely with fellow first-round draft chance Jobe Shanahan.

Barrat booted a season-high four goals against the Eastern Ranges in Round 9 and also accumulated four behinds in that game, with inaccuracy seeing the Leitchville Gunbower fall short of a big day on two more occasions when he kicked 3.5 against the GWV Rebels twice.

A Vic Country feature would fall Barrat's way, with Barrat playing three matches at the National Carnival in a more defensive role given the team's brimming options up forward.

The strong-marking Barrat was able to utilise his athletic ability and high-leaping to rapidly emerge as a formidable intercept player, averaging strong marking and intercepting marking numbers.

He was able to transition those traits into his return for Bendigo, enjoying a mean of 6.2 intercept marks in a seven-game patch in the home stretch.

Barrat ended his Talent League season averaging 16.5 disposals, 7.2 marks, 6.5 intercepts, 5.0 score involvements, 3.5 intercept marks, and 1.7 goals for Bendigo from his 13 games.

He would earn a VFL debut with Essendon in July and held his own, recording 10 disposals, five marks and three tackles against Sandringham.

Barrat's versatility is sure to attract many AFL clubs, while his swingman traits and athleticism may earn him a likeness to Richmond's Noah Balta or Sydney's Joel Hamling.