Strengths: Speed and skill are Davies’ key attributes. When he gets the ball he can run the lines and break open opposition defence. And when he has the ball his excellent skills with both hand and foot hurts opposition sides as well. The trick is going to be for him to get more of the ball.
Position: Really looks to be an ideal wingman and that spot is very much up for grabs. Can run with the ball and uses it well. If he can be more effective around stoppages the Bombers’ match committee may be forced to play him. Could also play a role across the half forward line where his speed will create space and his silky skills could see him contribute on the scoreboard.
2003: You can be certain Davies will get his chance during the pre-season competition and those games will be as important as any he has ever played. This is a crunch season for him and he must stand up and be counted early. Playing lists have shrunk and clubs can’t afford to be as patient as they once were – Davies will know that better than anyone. A massive pre-season will go a long way to ensuring he makes the most of his undoubted talent.
Sheedy says: James was a first round draft choice in 2000 and is still learning the game - eventually he could play in various positions. 2003 is an important year for him and he needs to work hard to build up his body in preparation for midfield crunches. He could be a very handy, pacey 6’3” player. Possibly the best way for him to really learn about football would be for him to become a good tagger of the opposition’s key players. After experiencing college football, James has completed two years of a long hard apprenticeship road. He will make AFL footy eventually, and should be reminded that Michael Tuck [Hawthorn], DiPierdomenico [Hawthorn] and Liberatore [Western Bulldogs] took the long hard road to the top. What great careers when they got there.
