2003 Games 18
2003 Goals 13
Kicks 279
Marks 77
Handballs 117
Ave. disposals 22.00
Fan’s rating: 8.7/10
Robert Shaw’s comments:
What a remarkable performance. He basically missed eight games and finished three votes behind the leader in the Brownlow medal. I thought his second half of the season was outstanding and he really, really played well. He proved himself to be in the top company of players in the AFL and is very important to how Essendon plays. We do have to monitor him because he pushes himself so hard on the track. The way he is playing at the moment, he easily has three years left in him.
What some of the fans had to say:
What more can be said about Hirdy - a true champion on and off the field. His courage, leadership and passion for the game are second to none. A true inspiration. Tim Saccone
James had a stellar year. He has the unmatchable ability of finding the ball when it looks like the ball is finding him. He is always in the think of the action. Unlucky not to finish higher in Brownlow voting, though a very worthy joint winner of the Crichton Medal. Russell Bennett
Absolutely fantastic! Even missing for 6 games with injury he is worth 3 times whatever he is paid. Skill, leadership and courage are a very rare combination. Jason Turk
Champion season from a Champion player. Terrific leadership all year which saw us into another finals series. Because this team is improving all the time, needs only to perform 80% of his ability to make an impact on the team, which is why he is so good. Paul Patrick
Clearly the best player in the league as shown by his 19 votes in the Brownlow medal having missed 6 games. Noel Timbs
what do you say this guy is one of the best we will ever see courageous, well balanced the perfect package. If only we had of got him out there all year he would have had another Brownlow to his name. Jason Coad
An outstanding performance by James this year. Whilst injury prevented him from playing all games, his year was capped by a Crichton Medal and a near Brownlow Medal. His on-field leadership seemed to move to another level this year and was more prominent and developed in steering the team to the finals. James' games against Fremantle and Collingwood were standouts. He was an inspirational and gifted footballer, but also a courageous and hard team player this year. Susan Williamson
James played a vital part in the teams success this year. He has shown great leadership and consistency over the year. His courage and his ability to find the football are second to none and he wasn't far off from winning his second Brownlow. Dale Clarke
