Tasmanian prospect James Leake feature, interview, Tasmania Devils 19th club impact on draft, go-home factor, news

Tasmanian draft bolter James Leake admits to “flying under the radar” in 2023 after an illness-delayed start, but versatility has seen the teen jump into top 10 calculations.

And Leake says he’s no flight risk once the AFL’s new Tasmanian team comes into the competition, considering himself no different from interstate kids looking for their chance in the league.

Speaking to foxfooty.com.au Leake admits it’s been a “pretty surreal” charge into high first round draft contention, with reports Melbourne, GWS, Geelong and St Kilda are all interested parties.

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“I was lucky enough to get picked for the Allies and it’s sort of just gone from there,” the 187cm utility said.

“I played some good footy with the Allies and then went back to (Tasmania) Devils and had a really strong end to the year.

“It‘s been a bit different in the last month or two with a bit more pressure, but in saying that I’m just so grateful for it. It’s just been a really fun year to be honest.”

Leake had a slow start to the year after a battle with glandular fever left the 18-year-old “a little bit rusty”.

But a three-goal haul in just a half of footy to lead his Devils to victory made AFL recruiters stand up and take notice.

“I think that was probably what opened the door for me to play a bit more forward and midfield towards the end of the season,” he said.

“I was playing a little bit quiet down back and we needed a spark up forward – and I was able to go forward and provide that.

“I think just playing different positions and showing that versatility is something that‘s been really beneficial for me and hopefully has enhanced by draft chances.

“I’m open to playing anywhere and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

A childhood Western Bulldogs fan, Leake played as an intercept defender for the Allies at the under-19 championships this year. But he also impressed as a forward – where he kicked 12 goals in three games – and mid while representing the Devils in the Coates Talent League.

In Tasmania’s preliminary final loss, Leake played midfield minutes where he collected 21 disposals, three clearances and kicked two goals in a final audition for recruiters.

“It’s been a wicked year. Coming into the season, you sort of knew we had the make-up to have a strong team. But then it was just we had to get to work,” he said.

“The whole feeling around Tasmanian football at the moment is one of excitement.

“It makes that feeling of playing AFL football a little bit more real knowing that it’s sort of right there in Tasmania.”

Despite the excitement of what he was able to achieve representing Tasmania, the Launceston product says he’d have no issue committing to a club away from the Apple Isle.

“Being a Tasmanian, that’s something that you can never take away from someone,” he said.

“So seeing a successful Tasmanian team that’s up and running would be super and awesome for the state and I think it’d make a lot of Tasmanians very happy.

“I can understand their (AFL clubs’) questions and queries about it because obviously a bunch of Tasmanians, there maybe is that added risk,” he said of the go-home factor when the 19th team arrives.

“But the way I look at it, it’s no different to an interstate club drafting a Melbourne boy with that go-home factor to Melbourne.

“For me personally, it’s always been reality that if I wanted to play AFL football, I’d have move away at some point.

“I‘d like to think that if a club was willing to draft me, I’d like to repay the faith in them and have a good, successful career at that particular club. I’m quite a loyal person and I’d like to repay the faith.”

The 18-year-old, who could become the first Tasmanian since Chayce Jones in 2018 to get snapped up inside the top 10, laughed as he spoke about his AFL interview process, admitting there was one ‘oh s**t’ moment he needed to overcome.

“It’s been good. You hear some stories from people about a few curveballs and what-not, but I’ve been pretty lucky,” he said.

“I’m sure I’ll still get some things that’ll stump me a little bit, but I think the best thing for a kid like myself is just to be honest and that’s all they can really ask for.

“I copped one where a club will ask you to name their entire back six and I’m like ‘oh sh*t’. But it’s not too bad.”

But Leake doesn’t want fans to think he’s a ready-made prospect should he go inside the top 10 at the Draft later this month.

“I think mentally, I’d like to say I’m ready, but I guess it’s something I’ll find out when I get there,” he said.

“I think I’m quite mature for my age, so I think that should work hand-in-hand with an AFL career. In terms of physically, I’m pretty light so maybe a good season in the gym in the pre-season might help me.

“I’m just going to try and hit the ground running, put my best foot forward and see whatever the highest football attainable for me is, that’s what I want to play. Whether that’s AFL initially or a state league, I just want to play at the highest level possible.”