GWS forward James Stewart requests trade to Essendon

Greater Western Sydney forward James Stewart has requested a trade to Essendon.

Stewart has only managed 18 senior games with the Giants since being drafted in 2012, with the likes of Jeremy Cameron, Rory Lobb and Jon Patton holding down the key forward spots in the side.

After impressing in the NEAFL this season with 48 goals in 19 games, the 22-year-old requested a trade in search of greater opportunity at AFL level.

Calrton and Essendon were both interested in the 193cm forward, with the Bombers winning the race for his services.

“We were looking for a tall forward that could complement our forward line next year with Joey and obviously Tommy Bellchambers coming back and possibly Aaron Francis playing up forward,” Bombers' List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said.

“We’ve tracked James since he was at the Sandringham Dragons a number of years ago and he was taken as a second round selection to GWS.

“He’s just found it really difficult to break into a really strong forward line at GWS.

“When you’ve got the likes of Patton, Cameron and Lobb in the forward line it’s very difficult to get a game. His NEAFL form has been first class.

“He’s a very smart player.  He’s got very good agility, plays as a bit of a midfielder actually.

“The next step is we’ll talk to GWS … we’re fairly relaxed with the trade and how that would work so in the next few hours I’ll speak to Craig Cameron (GWS List Manager).”