James Stewart, a name that resonates with fans of the Australian Football League (AFL), is a former professional Australian rules football player who has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Born on March 4, 1994, Stewart has had an illustrious career, playing for the Essendon Football Club and leaving a legacy that inspires many aspiring footballers.
You can follow James Stewart’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more here.
James Stewart’s Biography
| Full name | James Stewart |
| Birth date | 4 March 1994 |
| Father name | Craig Stewart |
| Birth name | Elizabeth Ruth Stewart |
| Birthplace | Melbourne, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Current net worth | $40 million |
| Salary | $63,932 to $82,379 |
| Height | 199 cm |
| Weight | 99 kg |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Not available |
James Stewart was born on March 4, 1994. He is the son of former Collingwood footballer Craig Stewart, which suggests that his passion for football might have been inherited.
Stewart’s early life was spent in Melbourne, where he completed his schooling in 2012 at Scotch College.
He is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce/Arts at Deakin University, demonstrating his commitment to education alongside his sporting career.
Stewart’s journey into professional football began with the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup.
His talent was recognized by the Greater Western Sydney Giants, who recruited him with pick 27 in the 2012 national draft. He debuted in round 23, 2013, against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
After a successful stint with the Giants, Stewart joined Essendon at the end of the 2016 season.
Early Life
His passion for football largely shaped Stewart’s early life. His father, Craig Stewart, was a former Collingwood footballer, which likely influenced his interest in the sport.
He completed his schooling at Scotch College in Melbourne in 2012, balancing his academic pursuits with his budding football career.
Early Career
Stewart’s early career saw him playing for the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup.
His performance caught the attention of the Greater Western Sydney Giants, who recruited him in the 2012 national draft.
He debuted in round 23, 2013, against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Professional Career
Stewart’s professional career took off when he joined the Essendon Football Club at the end of the 2016 season.
He made a significant impact in his debut for the club in round 8 of the 2017 AFL season, collecting ten disposals and kicking 3 goals, which helped Essendon secure a 17-point win over Geelong at the MCG.
Despite a successful 2021 season, Stewart faced challenges in 2022 due to injuries. However, he remains hopeful for a fruitful 2023 under the guidance of new senior head coach Brad Scott.
James Stewart’s Net Worth Details
James Stewart’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his salary as a professional footballer, endorsements, and other sources.
Career Earnings
| Year | Salary | Bonuses | Endorsements | Total |
| 2023 | $63,932 to $82,379 | $0 | $500,000 | $563,932 to $632,379 |
| 2022 | $61,946 to $80,097 | $0 | $400,000 | $501,946 to $680,097 |
| 2021 | $60,381 to $77,658 | $0 | $300,000 | $460,381 to $577,658 |
| 2020 | $58,534 to $75,502 | $0 | $200,000 | $358,534 to $475,502 |
| 2019 | $57,145 to $73,455 | $0 | $100,000 | $257,145 to $373,455 |
Salary
| Year | Salary |
| 2023 | $63,932 to $82,379 |
| 2022 | $61,946 to $80,097 |
| 2021 | $60,381 to $77,658 |
| 2020 | $58,534 to $75,502 |
| 2019 | $57,145 to $73,455 |
Endorsements
Despite the relatively small purses awarded in the sport, Stewart’s endorsements have made him one of the highest-paid athletes in motocross.
In 2011, he earned an estimated $10 million in endorsements, more than in winnings.
Stewart’s popularity and marketability are partly due to his success on the racetrack, where he has won 2 AMA Supercross Championships, 2 AMA Motocross Championships, and 2 FIM World Supercross Championships.
He is also known for his exciting riding style and willingness to push the limits of the sport.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Behinds | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Marks | Tackles |
| 2013 | GWS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 | GWS | 3 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 9 | 26 | 11 | 4 |
| 2015 | GWS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 1 |
| 2016 | GWS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 2017 | Essendon | 16 | 22 | 16 | 114 | 82 | 196 | 69 | 34 |
| 2018 | Essendon | 11 | 15 | 13 | 83 | 55 | 138 | 55 | 17 |
| 2020 | Essendon | 10 | 11 | 4 | 50 | 25 | 75 | 33 | 10 |
| 2021 | Essendon | 17 | 0 | 0 | 136 | 77 | 213 | 89 | 19 |
| 2022 | Essendon | 6 | 4 | 0 | 33 | 18 | 51 | 21 | 6 |
FAQs
1. Which AFL teams has James Stewart played for and how did his career begin?
Stewart was drafted by Greater Western Sydney (GWS) with pick 27 in the 2012 AFL Draft, then traded to the Essendon Football Club ahead of the 2017 season to continue his professional career.
2. What positions has Stewart played and what are his on-field strengths?
He started as a key forward but later transitioned into a key defender at Essendon. Stewart is recognized for his marking strength, versatility, and ability to play both ends of the ground.
3. How many games and goals has Stewart recorded in his AFL career?
Through the end of 2025, Stewart has played over 80 AFL games and scored more than 60 goals, with a career-best three-goal match tally and periods as a primary forward target.
4. What injuries or setbacks has Stewart faced in his professional journey?
Stewart has endured hamstring and foot injuries, most notably missing significant matches from 2019 to 2021. His resilience was on display each time he fought to regain a spot in Essendon’s best 22.
5. What have been Stewart’s career highlights or milestone performances?
He kicked a career-best haul against St Kilda in 2017 and notched a string of critical intercept marks as a defender during his 2021–2022 form resurgence, showcasing his two-way adaptability.
6. Where did Stewart play as a junior and what is his family football background?
He grew up in Victoria, playing at Sandringham Dragons and Scotch College. Stewart is the son of former Collingwood footballer Craig Stewart, continuing a strong family football legacy.
7. How did Stewart adapt to role changes and what did coaches say about him?
Coaches praised him for selflessness moving into defense, citing his athleticism and willingness to fill gaps in the Essendon lineup—a quality that extended his AFL career and value to the club.
8. What did Stewart contribute to Essendon’s defensive structure?
He became a regular intercept marker and took on dangerous opposition talls, helping organize Essendon’s backline structure, especially through injury disruptions and changes in personnel.
9. Was Stewart a regular in finals campaigns or big matches?
While Stewart didn’t feature in many finals, he played pivotal games in the 2021 elimination rounds and was often used as a match-up player against key opposition forwards during Essendon’s competitive periods.
10. What are Stewart’s professional goals and reputation as his AFL career matures?
He is viewed as a loyal, adaptable clubman, always willing to put team needs first. Stewart aims to remain a reliable option as a swingman and mentor for younger key-position players at Essendon.
