Busselton’s James Tunstill hoping to prove himself as consistent and reliable ahead of second AFL season

As the 2023 AFL season edges closer, Busselton’s James Tunstill is hoping to set himself up as a reliable player that can rise to the occasion when called upon.

The 19-year-old has been working hard as pre-season training ramps up within the Brisbane Lions’ camp as match simulation training gets under way.

Speaking to the South Western Times, Tunstill said the training had been “solid” and he had been enjoying his time in the Lions’ den.

“You always know the season is close by when (match simulations) gets going, so it’s been really solid and I’m just really enjoying having a full pre-season,” he said.

“I’m really loving my time in Brisbane.

“It’s a great club to be in and I’m getting really close with the boys, so I couldn’t be happier.”

It comes after a whirlwind 2022 for the Busselton product, who was drafted to the Lions at pick 41 during the 2021 national draft and went on to make his AFL debut in round 15 against Melbourne, something Tunstill said he did not expect to achieve.

“I kind of just set myself a goal of just getting better and not really worrying about the AFL just yet,” he said.

“To have that happen was a good accomplishment and something to be proud of.

“I really gained a lot of experience in those three games, so I’m really grateful to have that opportunity.

“It gives me more drive to try and get into the 22 this year.”

Going into the 2023 season, Tunstill is hoping to rack up more games at the AFL level and making the most of the pre-season and learning from the club’s more senior players to set himself up for the year.

“I just want to be consistent and reliable, so whether that’s at VFL or in the AFL, I just want to be good enough so that if called upon I can deliver on the big stage,” he said.

“There’s a lot of experienced players in the team and I have been talking with Jarrod Berry about playing the wing role.

“You kind of have to be a sponge and make the most of it because not a lot of teams have a lot of experienced players.”

Along with learning from the club’s senior players, Tunstill has also been making the transition to be a mentor for Brisbane’s latest draftees, Will Ashcroft, Jaspa Fletcher and Shadeau Brain.

“It’s funny because we already knew the players we ended up drafting,” he said.

“It seems like they’ve just slotted in really nicely and they’re going really well, especially Will Ashcroft.

“He’s looking really good at the moment, so that’s something the Lions fans can really look forward to this year.”

With a number of South West footballers making a splash in the AFL, Tunstill said it was really good to see the region gaining some attention, particularly for the next generation of footballers.

“I looked up to Connor Blakely growing up, so I hope that it inspires kids from our region to do the same,” he said.

“We’ve had Jye (Amiss), Houghy (Brady Hough) and now Reuben (Ginbey) come through.

“To see that sort of talent coming out of the region is really encouraging for young kids out there.”