James arrived at West Adelaide via the SANFL mini draft in 2005 after being selected at pick 34 in the 2004 National Draft by Port Power. After making his AFL debut in round 8 of 2006 and playing the next 3 games he was delisted at the end of the season. James signed on to remain with West Adelaide immediately and despite relatively quiet 2007 and 2008 seasons became an integral part of the team.
In 2009 James came of age. At 23 and following an outstanding preseason he played all 20 games in an improving team. With his tenacity at the contest and ability to carry the ball through the lines he caught the umpires eye and tied for the 2009 Magarey Medal with North Adelaide’s Rhys Archard on 18 Votes. James did not win the club best and fairest in 2009, that honour going to Club Captain Ryan Ferguson.
