James Jordon pictured kicking a goal in his debut game with the Melbourne Demons against Fremantle in 2021 as Albury product Charlie Spargo runs in to celebrate, has made the move to the Sydney Swans. Photo: AAP.
Yarrawonga AFL product James Jordon has become the first player in the 2023 offseason to switch clubs and move interstate.
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Jordon, who was drafted to the Melbourne Demons as pick no.33 in the 2018 National Draft, was an unrestricted free agent and joined the Swans on the opening day of the AFL Free Agency Period.
Melbourne receives an end-of-second-round compensation pick (currently pick 39) in return.
Jordon said although it is a big move, it’s definitely an exciting one.
“From my first meeting with them (Sydney) I got a really good feeling about the club, the culture and how I’d fit in with it all,” James said.
“Just to get some more opportunity was a big part of the decision.
“I’ll move up in the middle of November, as we start preseason training on November 27.
“I want to help bring sustained success and premierships is my main goal at the Swans.
“I’m definitely still improving as a player and want to take my game to another level.”
James with his 2021 premiership medal back home in Yarrawonga will make the move interstate in mid November.
Jordon played in all 25 games of the 2021 season, averaging 14.5 disposals earning him a Rising Star nomination in round 8 before he was selected as sub in the premiership winning 2021 grand final.
Overall, he played 65 games and kicked 17 goals, one on debut in the red and blue.
“Melbourne gave me the opportunity to live my dream so I am forever grateful to them,” Jordon said.
“I am a better person and player from the culture at the club.
“I’ll miss all the boys but I’m still great friends with them all so will be keeping in touch.
“The biggest highlight from my time at the Demons is definitely the premiership.
“Playing in some big games where we had 90 thousand there was amazing as well as meeting a lot of great people and making lifelong friends.”
The Swans already have a local connection with Corowa born and raised John (Horse) Longmire moving into his 14th year at the helm of the Swans while 2022 Yarrawonga Pigeon grand-final player Caleb Mitchell was drafted to Sydney at pick no.40 in the 2022 AFL draft, making the move even easier for Jordon.
“I’ve been talking to John quite a bit and he’s been awesome. I’m really looking forward to playing under him and will be able to learn so much,” Jordon said.
“I have also chatted to Caleb (Mitchell) and it’s awesome to have a couple of Yarra boys up there, it definitely makes it easier for me having that connection.”
Sydney Swans Executive GM-Football Charlie Gardiner said the club is delighted to welcome Jordon.
“James is a talented young midfielder who we think has a bright future ahead of him,” Gardiner said.
“We think he will be a valuable addition to our midfield group with his running ability and flexibility to play inside and out.
“He has had an impressive start to his career to date and comes with experience in a successful program at Melbourne, so we are confident he will make us better.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming James to the club.”
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