A relentless competitor and tackling machine, it’s hard to imagine that James Rowbottom may have missed out on the National Draft in 2018. According to the star midfielder it was a late addition to Vic Metro that cemented his future.

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media for the next instalment of On the Mark, the Oakleigh Chargers product admitted that he initially missed out on making the squad.

“I played a pretty good game later on and got a late call up to the squad,” he said. “I played in the AFL U18 Championships and then I got drafted.”

“If I didn't play well with that game, I might not have ever got a look.”

Rowbottom was recruited to the Sydney Swans with the club’s second selection at the 2018 AFL Draft. He was quick to make an impact and made his debut for the senior side in Round 5 of the 2019 season.

The 23-year-old has always wanted to play professional sport. His parents – who he credits for his success – were passionate supporters of whatever he chose to pursue.

“It didn't matter what it was … they just made sure that I did it wholeheartedly, and I did that with footy,” he said.

It comes as no surprise that Rowbottom gravitated towards Aussie Rules. His sporting hero was none other than Collingwood midfielder Scott Pendlebury. A core childhood memory? ANZAC Day at the MCG.

“I vividly remember at the footy on ANZAC Day - I would have been eight or nine - when David Zaharakis kicked that winning goal,” he recalled of the 2009 match between Essendon and Collingwood.

“I was a Collingwood supporter, and the crowd obviously went ballistic, and I was a little eight-year-old kid and got drenched in beer.”

Rowbottom has become a reliable force in the midfield. At just 23 he is set to play his 100^th career game in the coming weeks. His pre-game routine is down pat nowadays and pretty simple. The secret to match day; a good meal and an early night.

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