AFL
James Borlase: An Emerging Defender for the Adelaide Crows
James Borlase represents a compelling story of perseverance and athletic excellence in professional Australian rules football. Born on July 18, 2002, in Cairo, Egypt, this young defender for the Adelaide Crows has quickly made…
James Borlase represents a compelling story of perseverance and athletic excellence in professional Australian rules football. Born on July 18, 2002, in Cairo, Egypt, this young defender for the Adelaide Crows has quickly made a name for himself through consistent performances and unwavering dedication to his craft. Standing at 192 centimetres tall and weighing 101 kilograms, Borlase brings both physical presence and tactical intelligence to the Adelaide Football Club's defensive line.
Early Life and Athletic Development
The Borlase family's journey across continents shaped James's early exposure to world-class athleticism. Born while his father Darryl worked as a commodity trader in Cairo, James relocated to Melbourne several months after his birth. The family eventually settled in Adelaide around four years later, establishing their home in the suburb of Netherby. This relocation proved significant for James's football development, as it brought him closer to South Australian football pathways and coaching programs.
James's junior football career began with the Unley Jets, where he quickly demonstrated the skills and competitive spirit that would define his later career. His talent became evident when he was selected for the under-15 All-Australian team, a prestigious honour recognising the most talented young players across the country. His development continued to impress, and he was chosen to play in the under-17 futures game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 2019 AFL Grand Final day, an opportunity granted only to the nation's most promising young footballers.
In 2020, James progressed to senior football, making his debut for Sturt in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). That same year, he demonstrated his versatility and athletic excellence by earning best on ground honours in Prince Alfred College's 2020 All Schools Cup grand final victory. These achievements highlighted that Borlase possessed not only individual talent but also the ability to perform at crucial moments in important matches.
Path to the AFL
The Adelaide Crows recognised James Borlase's potential and drafted him in December 2020 as a category B rookie from the club's Next Generation Academy. This pathway represented a specific recruitment strategy designed to identify talented young players who might benefit from additional development before competing at the elite level. The fact that he entered the system through this academy program reflects the club's confidence in his long-term prospects.
An interesting aspect of Borlase's recruitment involved the father-son rule in AFL drafting. Although his father, Darryl, had played 246 games for Port Adelaide in the SANFL, winning four premierships, including one as captain in 1998, James was ineligible to be considered a Port Adelaide father-son prospect. This occurred because Darryl's games were completed before Port Adelaide's AFL entry in 1997, leaving him just short of meeting the specific eligibility requirements for this recruitment pathway.
In 2021, the year following his draft, James demonstrated his profound commitment to developing as a footballer. He finished runner-up in Adelaide's SANFL Club Champion Award, an accolade recognising his consistency and dedication across the year. This achievement, while not the ultimate honour, signalled that he was progressing rapidly and earning recognition within the organisation.
AFL Debut and Early Career
James Borlase's breakthrough moment arrived in 2023 when he earned his long-awaited AFL opportunity. Before stepping onto the AFL stage, he spent the 2023 season playing 14 games for Adelaide in the SANFL, where he developed his craft and continued to show improvement. During this time, he averaged 13.6 disposals and six marks per game, statistics that highlighted his consistent ball-handling and competitive marking.
His AFL debut came in Round 21 of the 2023 season when Adelaide faced Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval. Rather than a one-game appearance, Borlase impressed sufficiently to earn selection for the final three matches of the season. This extended opportunity came as the Crows faced significant defensive challenges through injuries to key personnel as they navigated the final stretch of the season.
Across these four games in 2023, Borlase accumulated 32 disposals, 15 kicks, 12 handballs, seven tackles, and eight marks. While these numbers might seem modest, they represented his introduction to elite-level football and provided crucial experience playing against experienced AFL opponents. These statistics averaged 8.0 disposals, 3.8 kicks, 3.0 handballs, 1.8 tackles, and 2.0 marks per game.
However, Borlase's initial AFL season did not result in contract security. Following the 2023 season, he was delisted by Adelaide but quickly redrafted as a rookie. This experience, while potentially disheartening, provided a valuable perspective on the competitive nature of professional football and the necessity of continuous improvement.
Building Consistency in 2024
The 2024 season proved transformative for James Borlase's career trajectory. Selected for 10 AFL games, he significantly increased his output and demonstrated the potential that the Adelaide Crows organisation had identified. Across these 10 matches, he recorded 105 disposals, 60 kicks, 45 handballs, 16 tackles, and 16 marks. These totals represented substantial improvement, averaging 10.5 disposals, 6.0 kicks, 4.5 handballs, 1.6 tackles, and 1.6 marks per game.
The Adelaide Football Club recognised Borlase's consistency, resilience, and discipline in pursuing his craft throughout 2024. His ability to bide his time without opportunities, then perform effectively when selected, impressed the coaching staff and management. This professional approach to his role within the squad demonstrated maturity and commitment to self-improvement.
In September 2024, Borlase's consistent performances earned him a significant reward. The club re-signed him to a new two-year contract extending through the end of 2026. This agreement represented a substantial vote of confidence from Adelaide, signalling their belief that he would continue to develop and contribute meaningfully to the team's defensive structure.
Playing Style and Defensive Role
As a defender positioned at number 35, James Borlase brings distinctive attributes to Adelaide's backline. Described as a tall defender known for competitiveness and strong intercept marking, he combines physical presence with tactical positioning. His height of 192 centimetres provides natural advantages in contesting marks and reading the play aerially.
Borlase's playing style emphasises reading the game and positioning himself to intercept opposition attacks before they develop into threatening scoring opportunities. This approach requires anticipation, communication with teammates, and the tactical intelligence to recognise opposition patterns. His competitive nature ensures he contests every contest with full commitment, a characteristic evident in his tackle count and marking ability.
Family Sporting Legacy
James Borlase exists within a remarkable family sporting ecosystem that extends across multiple sports at elite levels. His father, Darryl, not only played professional football but also achieved significant success, winning four SANFL premierships, including leading Port Adelaide as captain in 1998. This background provided James with daily exposure to professional sporting attitudes and training philosophies from an early age.
His mother, Jenny Borlase, represented Australia 70 times in international netball, establishing herself as an elite athlete in her own right. Growing up with both parents having competed at championship levels across different sports, James was exposed to a championship-winning mentality and the work ethic required to excel in elite sporting environments.
Beyond his immediate parents, the Borlase family showcases exceptional athletic diversity. His older sister, Ella, has represented Australia in surfboat rowing. In comparison, his younger sister, Isobel, achieved a significant milestone when drafted by the Atlanta Dream in the 2024 WNBA draft, becoming a professional basketball player. This concentration of elite sporting talent across one family underscores the genetic, environmental, and cultural factors that contribute to athletic excellence.
Career Statistics and Performance Metrics
James Borlase's career statistics through Round 5 of the 2025 season show continued development as a defender. Across 16 AFL games to this point, he has recorded one goal, 80 kicks, 57 handballs, and 137 total disposals. His tackle count of 61 and marks of 23 highlight his willingness to compete and his improved positioning in reading opposition attacks.
His per-game statistics demonstrate his contribution to Adelaide's defensive line. With 9.8 disposals, 5.7 kicks, 4.1 handballs, 4.4 marks, and 1.6 tackles per game, Borlase provides consistent volume possessions and reliable intercept marking. These metrics identify him as a genuine contributor rather than a depth player, justifying the club's decision to extend his contract through 2026.
Current Status and Future Prospects
As James Borlase enters the 2025 season, he carries genuine prospects for continued development and increased opportunity within Adelaide's defensive line. The club's investment in his contract extension signals confidence that he will grow into a reliable, consistent performer in an important defensive role. His journey from Cairo-born category B rookie to regular AFL player demonstrates that patience, persistence, and professionalism create pathways to success in elite-level football.
His competitive nature, combined with his physical attributes and improving tactical understanding, positions him well for further development. As Adelaide continues building its list for sustained success, players like Borlase, who commit to consistent improvement and maintain professional standards, become valuable long-term contributors to organisational goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does James Borlase play in the AFL?
James Borlase plays as a defender for the Adelaide Crows. Standing 192 centimetres tall and weighing 101 kilograms, he is well-suited for this position. He wears the number 35 and has developed into a reliable defender capable of competing against opposing forwards and contributing to Adelaide's defensive efforts.
Where was James Borlase born?
James Borlase was born in Cairo, Egypt, on July 18, 2002. His father was working as a commodity trader abroad at the time of his birth. The Borlase family later relocated to Australia, first moving to Melbourne before settling in Adelaide, where James developed his football career.
When did James Borlase make his AFL debut?
James Borlase made his AFL debut in Round 21 of the 2023 season. His debut game was between Adelaide and the Gold Coast Suns at Adelaide Oval. He played in the final four games of the 2023 season after Adelaide faced injuries to key defensive personnel, gaining valuable early experience at the elite level.
Why was James Borlase unable to use the Port Adelaide father-son rule?
Although James Borlase's father, Darryl, played 246 games for Port Adelaide in the SANFL, James was ineligible for the Port Adelaide father-son prospect rule. This is because Darryl Borlase fell short of the required minimum of 200 AFL matches before Port Adelaide entered the Australian Football League in 1997. The rule requires a player's father to have played at least 200 AFL games.
What is James Borlase's contract status with Adelaide?
Following the 2024 season, James Borlase was re-signed by the Adelaide Crows on a contract that extends through the end of 2026. This contract extension reflects the club's confidence in his development and their belief that he will continue to improve and contribute to the team's success over the next several seasons.