James Bell (Australian footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Bell |
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Bell playing for Sydney in July 2019
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | James Bell | ||
| Date of birth | 10 February 1999 | ||
| Place of birth | Shellharbour, New South Wales | ||
| Original team | Shellharbour Swans (AFL South Coast)/Sydney Swans Academy | ||
| Draft | Category B Rookie Selection, 2017 rookie draft | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Sydney | ||
| Number | 32 | ||
James Bell (born 10 February 1999) is a former professional Australian rules football player who played for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was a talented midfielder for the Swans.
James's Early Life and Sport Choices
James Bell grew up in Shellharbour, a town in New South Wales. He has Indigenous Australian heritage from the Yuin people. When he was younger, James loved playing soccer. He was even connected to the Western Sydney Wanderers, a professional soccer team, for many years as a teenager.
But at age 13, James started playing Australian rules football. Soon after, he joined the Sydney Swans developmental academy. This academy helps young players improve their skills.
When James was 15, he had to make a big decision. He had to choose between soccer and Australian rules football. He picked Australian rules football after attending a special training camp. At this camp, he met his childhood hero, Adam Goodes. Adam Goodes was a famous Sydney Swans player and had won the Brownlow Medal twice, which is a big award in AFL.
After making his choice, James moved to Sydney. He joined the Swans' academy program full-time. This decision worked out well! The Swans chose James as a special rookie player during the 2017 AFL draft.
James's AFL Career
James Bell made his first appearance in the AFL for the Sydney Swans in 2019. This was in a game against the Port Adelaide team.
James's Career Highlights
During his time with the Sydney Swans, James Bell played in 28 games. He also scored 10 goals for his team. His career with the Swans lasted until the end of the 2022 season.
