On the Mark is a weekly series diving into what makes our players tick. Stay tuned for all the latest interviews and AFL news.

James Jordon has enjoyed plenty of success on the field. He spent his school years winning junior premierships in cricket and footy with his closet mates. At 18 years of age he was approached by several AFL clubs who presented him with professional contracts.

What the midfielder learned later – and the hard way – is that it didn’t get easier from there.

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media for On the Mark Jordon admitted he was forced to train harder than ever.

“In my first year I learned the hard way the day-to-day things required to be an AFL athlete,” Jordon reflected, “the extras you have to do and how fit you have to be.”

Growing up quickly is a concept not lost on Jordon. He moved to boarding school as a senior student admitting, “I had to do a lot of things for myself.”

Unbeknown to Jordon it’s what allowed him the courage to move to Sydney. After five seasons with the Melbourne Demons – where he made is AFL debut in 2021 – Jordon joined the Swans on the opening day of the 2023 AFL Free Agency Period.

“It was a big decision, and the right one.”

Jordon credits Mum for his success, adding she never missed a game.

“I’m most grateful for this opportunity and to be part of something pretty special.”

Quick Fire Question with James

Your sports hero?

Roger Federer. 

If you weren't playing AFL, what do you think you'd be doing?

I'm studying business at the moment, so something with that. If I didn't leave home I might have been a tradie.

Controversial opinion?

Using paper towel over the hand dryer.

Your greatest strengths?

Resilience, laid back, easy to get along with. 

Describe your life in a sentence?

Living the dream.