Australian Football

Nicknamed ‘The Freak’ because of his uncanny ability to kick goals from extremely difficult positions James Morrissey made his Hawthorn league debut in 1984, aged nineteen. He played just one game that year and did not again taste senior grade football until 1987. However, it was not until 1988 that he became a regular, first choice senior player. He was a member of the Hawks’ 1988 premiership-winning team and also achieved grand final glory in 1989 and 1991. In the 1991 defeat of West Coast he was one of the best players afield playing in the comparatively unaccustomed position of back pocket, and blanketing his direct opponent Chris Lewis. Most of his football was played on the half forward flank.

The 1992 and 1993 seasons saw Morrissey beset by injury problems and he was de-listed at the end of the latter season. He had played 106 games and kicked 100 goals for the Hawks. He crossed to Collingwood in the hope of resurrecting his career but was unable to shake of his injury woes and did not add to his games tally.

Author - John Devaney