The consistent third tall inside the forward line has had a July to remember, slotting 13 goals in the past three matches as the Swans locked in a top six spot on the Goulburn Valley League ladder, their first appearance in nearly a decade.
The young gun has found a home at the attacking end of the ground this season after being “thrown around” into the backline on occasion in 2024.
Auld’s goal-kicking tally has more than doubled in one less game this year, kicking 31 goals after 15 matches, while last year he had 15 to his name after 16 appearances.
While a cemented spot in the forward line has contributed to finding the scoreboard more regularly, Auld noted how settling into the club culture further this year had boosted his confidence and form on-field.
As Bruce McAvaney famously put it in the 2012 AFL grand final, “that culture, the Bloods, that’s what it’s all about’’.
Auld missed most training sessions at the Swans in 2024 as he balanced being a train-on player with Essendon’s VFL list, but this year he is well-established in Shepparton and reaping the rewards of being fully committed to the GVL’s red and white outfit.
“Being able to enjoy my footy and run out with the boys on a Saturday, we’ve got a great group at the Swans this year and I’ve made a lot of great mates,” Auld said.
“Having a lot of fun at the club has gone a long way to helping me with my on-field performance.”
Auld also put his purple patch down to a strong training block the club has had across the past month and a half, which has seen the Swans dispatch rivals and compete with the league’s best sides.
Swans coach Jedd Wright said Auld’s consistency on the track had created an avenue for the youngster to peak as the side approaches its finals campaign.
“He’s flying, starting to hit form at the right time,” Wright said.
“He’s had some good continuity with his body and we’ve played him as a third tall forward consistently this season.
“He’s versatile and can play off half-back, but we’ve cemented him in the forward line this season and it’s been good for his footy.
“His tackling pressure inside 50 is elite and that will be important for the next three weeks and in finals.
“I’m excited to see how he goes with his talent.”
Auld is buoyed by what the Swans can do in September, but will pay no mind to the individual box score so long as his side can get a result.
“We haven’t been there for a number of years now and we’ve been building towards it,” Auld said.
“I don’t mind (how many goals I kick), if I can contribute to that I’ll be happy, but so long as we go well as a team.”
The Swans have Rochester, Euroa and Kyabram to finish the home and away season.
James Auld’s July stats
Games: 3
Goals: 13
Goals a game: 4.3
Disposals a game: 12.7
Tackles a game: 4.3
Ranking points: 96.7
