Former Geelong midfielder James Willis will return to his junior club North Adelaide for the 2025 season after being delisted by the Cats in September.
Selected with Pick 32 in the 2021 AFL National Draft, Willis spent three seasons on Geelong's list but could not break through for senior selection behind a star-studded Cats midfield.
The 21-year-old struggled with persistent injuries in his first two seasons at Geelong before chalking up 17 VFL games this year playing largely as a medium-sized forward
Standing at 183cm, Willis averaged just under a goal per game in his time at Geelong as well as 11 disposals and four tackles per game in the VFL.
Willis played his junior football with the Roosters as an inside midfielder, averaging 24 disposals, four clearances and five tackles per game in his draft year.
A versatile player capable of playing through the midfield and forward line, Willis shapes as a key addition for North as they look to return to finals action in 2025.
โI am super excited to be back and thrilled to put on the red and white again in 2025. I can't wait to get started with the boys and keen to see what 2025 brings,โ Willis said in a club statement.ย
North Adelaide coach Jacob Surjan spoke positively about what Willis can offer the Roosters in 2025.
โJames is a dynamic footballer who has speed, power and ability to win his own ball. James can impact the game from multiple positions as he did for Geelong playing mainly as a deep forward,โ Surjan said.
โA very driven individual who wants to get the best out of himself and his teammates, James will add to our group on and off the field.โ
Willis joins Angus Schumacher and Alex van Wyk as new additions at Prospect Oval for next season, while Campbell Combe, Sam Mayes, Sam McInerney, Matt McKenzie and Harrison Elbrow are among those to depart over the off-season.
