Player Watch #8 James Rowbottom

[Kennedy Parker]

James Rowbottom

The Sydney Swans recruited James Rowbottom

8

James Rowbottom

Age

25

Ht

186cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.0

4star

K

8.1

3star

HB

5.9

4star

M

2.2

2star

T

4.3

5star

CL

2.0

4star

D

14.6

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

5.6

3star

M

1.5

2star

T

3.4

4star

CL

2.5

4star

D

14.4

4star

K

7.8

3star

HB

6.6

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

3.6

5star

CL

1.2

4star

with their second selection at the 2018 AFL Draft and the midfield bull impacted from the get-go. The Oakleigh Chargers product made his AFL debut against Richmond at Marvel Stadium in Round 5, 2019 and finished the season with 12 senior games beside his name. Rowbottom also led the NEAFL MVP voting when it was hidden from the public after Round 12. The young Swan is a ball magnet, explosive at the stoppages, an outstanding tackler and a clean user of the footy.

James Rowbottom

8

James Rowbottom

Age

25

Ht

186cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.0

4star

K

8.1

3star

HB

5.9

4star

M

2.2

2star

T

4.3

5star

CL

2.0

4star

D

14.6

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

5.6

3star

M

1.5

2star

T

3.4

4star

CL

2.5

4star

D

14.4

4star

K

7.8

3star

HB

6.6

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

3.6

5star

CL

1.2

4star

DOB: 19 September 2000
DEBUT: 2019
DRAFT: #25, 2018 National Draft
RECRUITED FROM: Camberwell (Vic)/St Kevin's College (Vic)/Oakleigh U18

James Rowbottom | AFL

Follow James Rowbottom's progress through AFL

www.sydneyswans.com.au

 

[Kiama Chris]

She lives around the corner from me, very, very nice woman.

She was very early on the card. Should have been first or second support. Better than her ex. Actually, might have been last year.

 

[Callipygian]

She lives around the corner from me, very, very nice woman.

At the Copa, Copa-ca-ba-NAHHHH!! Ima thinking of call you Lola from here on in Jewelsbon .

[I hope I'm not all mixed up about that.]

 

[Nool Carpenna]

At the Copa, Copa-ca-ba-NAHHHH!! Ima thinking of call you Lola from here on in Jewelsbon .

[I hope I'm not all mixed up about that.]

Ever thought of becoming a singer? I mean, you're already sounding infinitely better than that track from Casey.

 

[The King!]

Gotta do more than average tackling

 

[hairy biker]

I realise Rowbottom is a favourite around here, but he really annoyed me tonight.

So FWIW I'll put on the record what I wrote in the autopsy thread;

Rowbottom bloody awful.

He has a shocking habit of making it someone else's problem.
1 metre handpasses to a stationary target,otherwise get it, kick it, without looking.

206 metres gained from 22 disposals, 2 centre clearances, when he was essentially an ever present in the middle.
(23 CBAs, compared to Chad's 14. Heeney and Jordon 24 apiece).

And even with the 1 metre handballs he had the worst disposal efficiency of anyone on our side.
His main opponent in Long, 29 disposals, 6 centre clearances (most on ground) and over 500 metres gained.

Yay 10 tackles.

Jordon was handy again tonight but he and Rowbottom in the centre bounce together doesn't work well enough for it to nearly be a permanent fixture and at present I'd take JJ over Rowbottom.

 

[The King!]

He doesn't tackle with any oomph at times ,
works hard but I am not sure I want him at some many centre bounces

 

[Punts]

Worpol is a better player

On the market

People bagged Parker’s kicking from centre lol

I’m not sure he would get a have in the top 6 sides

 

[Jeffers]

2025: 18
2024: 19
2023: 18
2022: 18

These are his average disposals each years as a full time midfielder

Does not get the ball enough.
Tackle numbers are high yes, but it means he’s second to the ball.

Getting found out.

 

[RilesMacca]

His disposal by hand has been pretty good to start off the year, but last night was all over the shop. Had his fair share of panicked and rushed hand passes that led to turnovers. Wasn’t alone though.

 

[RedBloodBlackSwan]

I have two comments about the music they have paired with that clip, Eminem's Lose Yourself:

1. I think it's a bit cheeky of them to be having a dig at our strip but I actually completely agree - "there's vomit on his sweater" is the line - and this particular training jumper looks terrible. I can't really think why else they would have chosen this little clip at that exact point of the song if they weren't having a go at strip. Then again it's the club's own Insta account so that is quite surprising.

2. Possibly one of the all time greatest covers I have ever heard (of any song) is Kasey Chambers' cover of this very song. Well worth checking out if you have even a hint of interest:

.

I'm not an Eminem fan but listening to this cover has dramatically increased my appreciation for Eminem's art and poetry as well as dramatically increasing my appreciation for Kasey Chambers.

Very impressive. Almost up there with Johnny Cash’s rendition of Hurt.

 

[RedBloodBlackSwan]

He needs to find another level. He needs to play bigger than he is with more explosive impact.

He could do well to watch some tape or Benny McGlynn, who was small but could find the ball and make an impact.

His other option is to be a silencer on his opposition number.

 

[Nuggetz]

I was hoping he reached a new level after his previous performances but he has stagnated. He needs to show some consistent ball winning ability otherwise someone else should play the crucial midfield role. Especially with centre clearances, it was heeney or nothing for us. Maybe he doesn't start in the centre anymore? His work around stoppages is good.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I was hoping he reached a new level after his previous performances but he has stagnated. He needs to show some consistent ball winning ability otherwise someone else should play the crucial midfield role. Especially with centre clearances, it was heeney or nothing for us. Maybe he doesn't start in the centre anymore? His work around stoppages is good.

Having both he and JJ playing essentially negating roles at CBAs allows the oppo's to be on the front foot.

 

[Nuggetz]

Having both he and JJ playing essentially negating roles at CBAs allows the oppo's to be on the front foot.

Yea, surprised regarding rowbottoms role when Grundy was winning the hitouts. I thought JJ showed great ball winning ability v freo. Had higher hopes for both of them in the centre tbh.

 

[The King!]

It’s the way he’s uses it is my gripe with him. One yesterday he just tried to bomb when there’s a player right in his way, or he doesn’t look where he is kicking, I get just trying to bash it forward at times, I get he is brave no question.

His tackling numbers are high and effort there, but do you have to stop the opponent to record a tackle?

I just think we need him to feature less in the actual clearance work, we don’t want him being the kick out of clearances too often, maybe he needs to be doing run with roles, I think Jordon is better user of the ball for instance.


Limited player, Brett Kirk

Brett Kirk

Age

49

Ht

184cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.5

5star

K

8.9

3star

HB

9.6

5star

M

2.7

3star

T

5.3

5star

CL

2.4

4star

No current season stats available

D

16.8

4star

K

13.0

5star

HB

3.8

3star

M

3.6

4star

T

2.2

4star

was limited too but he ran with guys knew his limitations, maybe due to injuries or being an acting skipper I think Rowbottom was started trying to do more and he can’t do it

 

[strauchanie59]

121 games and seven years in, it's hard to find what he brings to the table apart from tackling. Even this year, he has 33 tackles in five games, 21 of which have come in two games and then 12 in the other three.

He doesn't get enough of the ball, doesn't impact forward of centre and his opponents are largely off the chain for the most part. Plus, he's signed until the end of 2028.

I'd have more faith in Sheldrick offering more in the exact same role because he's shown the ability to get forward, as well as hit the pack at genuine speed ot win the ball.

 

[Nool Carpenna]

There's a reason the Lions were so willing to let him get 10 clearances (2x his season average) in the GF while restricting Warner, Heeney and Gulden to 7 between them.

I question his tank... I mean <20 disposals as an on-baller wouldn't get you in the starting 18 at a VFL side, but we don't know what's being asked of him.

It's quite possible Horse and Cox have been so content with his tackle/clearance/CP numbers that they tend to overlook his deficiencies in actually contributing around the ground. And Rowy, happy to be pleasing his coaches, becomes overly-obsessed with his defensive responsibilities, sacrificing all else.

I think his predicament is totally suited to a run in the twos... re-discover how to go about getting 30 touches while still doing the grunt stuff that he is good at.

 

[Callipygian]

It’s the way he’s uses it is my gripe with him. One yesterday he just tried to bomb when there’s a player right in his way, or he doesn’t look where he is kicking, I get just trying to bash it forward at times, I get he is brave no question.

His tackling numbers are high and effort there, but do you have to stop the opponent to record a tackle?

I just think we need him to feature less in the actual clearance work, we don’t want him being the kick out of clearances too often, maybe he needs to be doing run with roles, I think Jordon is better user of the ball for instance.


Limited player, Brett Kirk was limited too but he ran with guys knew his limitations, maybe due to injuries or being an acting skipper I think Rowbottom was started trying to do more and he can’t do it

I saw this comment before watching the replay and so I had an eye on this. My feeling is that when you look at his disposals they made perfect sense at the time. And others (like Chad) bombed their centre clearances just as much. I remember Chad won a centre clearance right at the beginning of the 2nd (or possibly 3rd) quarter. A short time later he won another centre clearance. Both times he just chucked it on the boot and bombed it forward exactly like Rowbottom does. To me that says it's what the coaches are asking. It also says something about the heat around the ball at a centre clearance and how it is valuable to move the ball to a hopefully 50/50 contest further towards goal even though it's not going to work out fairly often.

The other thing I'd say to the Rowbottom knocker is, do you think Heeney would be getting quite so many clean clearances without Rowbottom attending that bounce. [ caesar88 is there any point you revisiting the stats you kept about clearances to see whether Heeney or Chad perform better when Rowbottom is there at the clearance too? - Just a thought. ]

 

[The King!]

I saw this comment before watching the replay and so I had an eye on this. My feeling is that when you look at his disposals they made perfect sense at the time. And others (like Chad) bombed their centre clearances just as much. I remember Chad won a centre clearance right at the beginning of the 2nd (or possibly 3rd) quarter. A short time later he won another centre clearance. Both times he just chucked it on the boot and bombed it forward exactly like Rowbottom does. To me that says it's what the coaches are asking. It also says something about the heat around the ball at a centre clearance and how it is valuable to move the ball to a hopefully 50/50 contest further towards goal even though it's not going to work out fairly often.

The other thing I'd say to the Rowbottom knocker is, do you think Heeney would be getting quite so many clean clearances without Rowbottom attending that bounce. [ caesar88 is there any point you revisiting the stats you kept about clearances to see whether Heeney or Chad perform better when Rowbottom is there at the clearance too? - Just a thought. ]

A good thought, and a reason to watch a replay too without the heat of the game going.

Certainly possession under pressure is a factor, but I felt live he was just playing to get it out at all costs. Always shat me off about Parker clearances too , he would blindly kick over his shoulder or kick from mid air just to get it forward often to the opponent . The main one that stood out at me was rowbottom literally kicking into his opponents leg , there was never a kick on, not sure he always even looks at what the option is when the pressure ramps up.

But I shall rewatch and reconsider

 

[wills2g]

when we chose to prioritise rowy over hewett it looked like a good move, he was developing nicely as a defensive mid that could get mid teens disposals

i'm a huge rowy fan but its been 3-4 years now and he's still pretty much the same player

he needs to add more strings to his bow

i dont know what happened to his kicking and disposal efficiency - his first year he was always hitting targets

 

[Arrr]

I am not quite sure what people are expecting. He plays a predominantly defensive role in the midfield at the contest where there is the least time to think about what you are doing with the ball. Not every player has the read of the game that the best players do. So the options in the thick of it are to either hoof it forward (get abused for this), hand pass to someone close by (get abused for this), or get pinged holding the ball (get abused for this). Clearly he doesn't see the game as well as Gulden or Heeney and if he did then we probably wouldn't be able to afford to keep him.
I am not saying he played well or he can't improve because I think he played poorly and he can still work on the reading of the game and situational awareness. However some of the dismissiveness of his place in the midfield group seems pretty reactionary.
The biggest unknown will always be the role the coaches are asking him to play. If he is being trusted to be there week after week then clearly they are happy with his output.
It would be interesting to see how we went without him for a few games and see what would be different with that midfield mix. I have always liked him when he has been rotated into half forward, see what he does with a bit more time to make a decision.

 

[The King!]

He isn't in a defensive role as much lately he seems to be promoted like he is Jude Bolton

Jude Bolton

Age

45

Ht

181cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.9

4star

K

9.6

4star

HB

8.4

5star

M

3.1

3star

T

4.6

5star

CL

3.3

5star

No current season stats available

D

11.8

3star

K

7.2

3star

HB

4.6

4star

M

2.0

3star

T

1.6

4star

and they want to tap the ball down his throat at the clearance.

You need him in there blocking and defending for sure and and he isn't abysmal with his disposal at his best , but do I want him running backwards and hack kicking forward all the time at a bounce

No thanks.

He will be fine long term and is a key , just stick to the role imo

 

[wills2g]

issue is if we start rowy and jordon in the centre bounce and both are doing defensive jobs

we need someone to help be a threat

 

[caesar88]

I saw this comment before watching the replay and so I had an eye on this. My feeling is that when you look at his disposals they made perfect sense at the time. And others (like Chad) bombed their centre clearances just as much. I remember Chad won a centre clearance right at the beginning of the 2nd (or possibly 3rd) quarter. A short time later he won another centre clearance. Both times he just chucked it on the boot and bombed it forward exactly like Rowbottom does. To me that says it's what the coaches are asking. It also says something about the heat around the ball at a centre clearance and how it is valuable to move the ball to a hopefully 50/50 contest further towards goal even though it's not going to work out fairly often.

The other thing I'd say to the Rowbottom knocker is, do you think Heeney would be getting quite so many clean clearances without Rowbottom attending that bounce. [ caesar88 is there any point you revisiting the stats you kept about clearances to see whether Heeney or Chad perform better when Rowbottom is there at the clearance too? - Just a thought. ]

Sorry Calli, not going near this with a ten foot pole!

 

[Kiama Chris]

issue is if we start rowy and jordon in the centre bounce and both are doing defensive jobs

we need someone to help be a threat

As I said several pages ago.