James Gwilt

James Gwilt
File:Noimage
Personal information
Original team(s)	Noble Park
Debut	Round 22, 27 August 2005, St Kilda vs. Brisbane Lions, at Telstra Dome
Height / weight	188cm / 88kg
Playing career1
St Kilda (2005-) 23 games, 5 goals
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of Round 22, 2008.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

James Gwilt (born 11 August 1986) is an Australian rules football player for the St Kilda Football Club.

At debut he was only one of two AFL players (the other being Mal Michael) to have a Papua New Guinean parent. His mother is from Papua New Guinea and his father, Jason, is of Welsh descent. Jason Gwilt immigrated with his parents and siblings from Crowle(Worcestershire), England to Australia in the early 1970s. He played Aussie Rules in Port Moresby.

James Gwilt began his football in suburban football instead of participating in the TAC Cup, Victoria's premier under-18 competition. He played for Noble Park in the Eastern Football League and was best on ground in the league's grand final in 2004.

The Saints made a surprising pick in the 2004 AFL National Draft by selecting Gwilt in the 4th Round.

Gwilt played in the 2005 finals series games, impressing with his strong defensive skills, tackling, spoiling and setting up play from the rebound. Despite his stunning start he lapsed into inconsistent form and spent most of 2006 playing with VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions.

He returned with a total of 8 games in 2007, with his best being a 21 possession game against Carlton at the Telstra Dome. He was nominated for the AFL's Army Award in Round 11 of that year. Gwilt struggled for opportunities early in 2008, but returned to the senior side in Round 11. He has enjoyed better form since being played as a forward, including a good performance in St Kilda's semi-final win against Collingwood.

External links

• St Kilda Saints James Gwilt player profile