Ahead of his 200th game this weekend, we take a look back over five of the best games of James Frawley’s career…
Round 21, 2011
West Coast 16.14 110 def Melbourne 9.8 62
28 disposals, seven marks and 10 rebound 50s
In a dark day for the Demons at Etihad Stadium, Frawley was a rare shining light as he posted career-highs in disposals (28) and rebound 50s (10). Confronted with 60 West Coast inside 50s, Frawley was gallant in fending off the attacking barrage. His possession count was a team-high. Season 2011 saw Frawley average a career-high 18.7 disposals per game across his 21 matches.
Round 4, 2014
Melbourne 12.9 81 def Carlton 7.16 58
24 disposals, 14 marks, six inside 50s and two goals
There has only been one time in Frawley’s 199-game career that he has earned three Brownlow votes and it was on this day in 2014. Relishing a new role in the Demons’ forward line, Frawley was dominant and a superior aerial presence, taking 14 marks. In his last year in the red and blue, Frawley spent a reasonable stint in the forward half but this was certainly his most resounding game in attack.
Grand Final, 2015
Hawthorn 16.11 107 def West Coast 8.13 61
22 disposals, 11 marks, three rebound 50s and three inside 50s
James Frawley had a strong first season with the Hawks in 2015 but his performance in the Grand Final was arguably the best of his year. Frawley had endured a forgettable first finals experience against West Coast in the qualifying final three weeks earlier, having been largely ineffectual as a forward. But his response to that disappointment was heroic, as he shut out Eagles forward Josh Kennedy from the game, keeping him goalless and delivering himself his first premiership medallion.
Round 17, 2016
Hawthorn 11.9 75 def Sydney 10.10 70
7 disposals, two marks, two tackles and two rebound 50s
This game certainly did not bring about Frawley’s most remarkable stat-line but it still figures as one of Frawley’s most influential games as a Hawk. In his second season in the brown and gold, the defender was confronted with the task of minding Lance Franklin, who had kicked 10 goals over the previous three weeks. As it happened, Frawley kept Franklin goalless and helped to deliver a memorable five-point victory at the SCG.
Round 14, 2018
Hawthorn 13.18 96 def Gold Coast 5.13 43
12 disposals, four marks and 14 one-percenters
The outcome of this match might have barely ever been in doubt but Frawley remained at his stingy, defensive best in this 53-point win over the Suns. Frawley’s 14 one-percenters were a career-high for the 29-year old who played an instrumental role in keeping the Gold Coast to just five goals for the afternoon. Ben Stratton’s six one-percenters was the next highest count for the Hawks, as Chip was clearly the Hawks’ most influential defender.
