Des James facts for kids
Des James (born in 1952 – died on 27 June 2024) was a talented Australian rules football player from Tasmania. He played for the Sandy Bay team in the Tasmanian Football League (TFL). Des James was known for his amazing skills as a "back pocket" player, which is a defensive position on the field.
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Who Was Des James?
Des James was born in 1952 and became a well-known Australian rules footballer. He spent his playing career with the Sandy Bay Football Club. This club was part of the Tasmanian Football League, which was a major competition in Tasmania. Des James played in a key defensive role called a back pocket. This position is important for stopping the opposing team from scoring goals.
State of Origin Star
One of Des James's most famous achievements happened at the 1979 Perth State of Origin Carnival. The "State of Origin" was a special series of games where players represented their home state or territory. It was a chance for the best players from different parts of Australia to play against each other. Des James showed incredible skill during these games. His strong performances made him stand out among many talented players.
All-Australian Honour
Because of his excellent play at the 1979 State of Origin Carnival, Des James earned a spot in the All-Australian team. Being named an All-Australian is a huge honour in Australian rules football. It means you are considered one of the very best players in the entire country for that year. This selection showed just how talented and important Des James was to the game.
A Special Recognition
Des James was an Indigenous player. His achievements on the field were celebrated in a special way.
Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame
In 2005, Des James was inducted into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame. A Hall of Fame is a place where people who have made a big impact on a sport are honoured. Being inducted means that his contributions to football in Tasmania are remembered and celebrated. It shows he was a truly important figure in the sport's history.
Family Connection
Des James also had a family connection to Australian rules football. His older brother, Glenn James, was also involved in the sport. Glenn James became an umpire in the Victorian Football League (VFL), which later became the AFL. This shows that football was a significant part of their family's life.
