James Borlase has carved out a resilient path in the AFL, evolving from a Next Generation Academy prospect into a reliable key defender for the Adelaide Crows.
He has navigated contract extensions, injury setbacks, and the pressure of carrying a famous sporting surname.
In this article, you will know James Borlase’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more.
James Borlase’s Biography
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Borlase |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 2002 |
| Age | 23 |
| Education | Prince Alfred College, Adelaide |
| Nationality | Australian (Born in Egypt) |
| Height | 192 cm |
| Weight | 98 kg |
| Turned Pro | 2021 (Rookie Draft) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $400,000 – $600,000 AUD |
| Salary | Est. $250,000 – $350,000 AUD (2026) |
| Partner | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @james.borlase |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
James Borlase had a unique start to life compared to most AFL players. He was born in Egypt, where his father, Darryl Borlase, was working as a commodity trader at the time. The family eventually moved back to Australia, settling first in Melbourne and then in Adelaide.
This international birth became a crucial detail in his football journey because it allowed him to qualify as a Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect for the Adelaide Crows, rather than being solely tied to Port Adelaide under the father-son rule.
Growing up in South Australia, James attended Prince Alfred College, a school known for producing elite athletes. He played his junior football for the Sturt Football Club in the SANFL, where he quickly gained attention for his intercept marking and defensive strength.
His sporting pedigree is elite; his father Darryl is a Port Adelaide premiership captain and SANFL legend, while his mother Jenny Borlase represented Australia in netball.
Despite his father’s strong ties to the Magpies, James joined the Crows as a Category B rookie in the 2020 draft.
Professional Career
James spent his first two seasons on the Crows’ list developing his craft in the SANFL. He did not play a senior AFL game in 2021 or 2022, focusing instead on building the physical size required to match up against the league’s monster forwards.
His patience paid off in late 2023 when he finally made his AFL debut. He played four games that season, impressing coaches with his ability to read the play and spoil contests effectively.
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The 2024 season was a breakout year for the key defender. He managed 10 senior games, becoming a regular inclusion in the backline when injuries struck the squad.
His consistent form earned him a two-year contract extension in September 2024, securing his future at the club until the end of 2026.
However, the 2025 season proved challenging. An ankle injury in April disrupted his momentum, limiting him to just two senior appearances for the year.
Heading into the 2026 season, James is entering the final year of his current deal, looking to re-establish himself in Adelaide’s best 22.
James Borlase’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, James Borlase has an estimated net worth between $400,000 and $600,000 AUD, built primarily through his AFL salaries over six seasons.
Contract
James is currently fulfilling a two-year contract extension he signed in late 2024. This deal ties him to the Adelaide Crows through the 2026 season.
As a player with over five years in the system but fewer than 50 games, his contract likely sits in the mid-tier range for squad players, incentivized heavily by match payments.
Salary
For the 2026 season, James Borlase’s base salary is estimated to be around $250,000 to $350,000 AUD. Under the AFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), players outside the top tier earn a base retainer plus fees for every senior game played.
His earnings for 2025 would have been lower due to playing only two senior matches, but his 2026 salary will rise significantly if he stays fit and plays regular football.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Status | Est. Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Adelaide | Rookie List | $85,000 |
| 2022 | Adelaide | Rookie List | $95,000 |
| 2023 | Adelaide | Senior/Rookie | $130,000 |
| 2024 | Adelaide | Senior List | $220,000 |
| 2025 | Adelaide | Senior List | $240,000 |
| 2026 | Adelaide | Senior List | $280,000 (Proj.) |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Avg Disposals | Avg Marks | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Adelaide | 4 | 13.5 | 5.5 | 0 |
| 2024 | Adelaide | 10 | 11.2 | 4.8 | 0 |
| 2025 | Adelaide | 2 | 10.5 | 4.0 | 0 |
| Total | 16 | 11.7 | 4.8 | 0 |
FAQs
1. Which school did James Borlase attend in Adelaide?
He attended Prince Alfred College in Adelaide. This prestigious school has a strong history of developing AFL talent and student leaders, playing a key role in his junior development.
2. Who are James Borlase’s parents?
His father is Darryl Borlase, a Port Adelaide SANFL premiership captain and club legend. His mother is Jenny Borlase, a former elite Australian netballer who represented her country.
3. Why was James Borlase eligible for the Adelaide Crows NGA?
James qualified for the Next Generation Academy because he was born in Egypt. This international birth allowed the Crows to draft him as a Category B rookie, bypassing Port Adelaide.
4. What injury did James Borlase suffer?
He battled an ankle injury during the 2025 season. The injury occurred around April and required significant rehabilitation, which limited him to just two senior games for the year.
5. When does James Borlase’s current contract end?
His contract expires at the end of the 2026 season. He signed a two-year extension in September 2024 after a breakout season where he played ten games.
