200 up for James Paul

Jason Bennett

James ‘Jim’ Paul grew up around Old Haileybury, given his dad Roger won 6 best-and-fairests for the Bloods in the ‘70s & ‘80s and is regarded as one of the great VAFA players of the 20^th Century.

“I started going to watch with my Dad and Grandpa when I was 7 years old. I never felt any weight of expectation. I was always welcomed due to the family connection,” said Jim, who this week notches up his 200^th game for the club.

“Dad is still involved and Mum is part of the tea-lady group that do so much work behind-the-scenes. And it’s great to be able to play with my younger brother Will, who is six years younger, so we never got to play juniors together. Unfortunately, he hurt his shoulder during the pre-season but will hopefully be back in a couple of weeks.

“It’s nice to have that family-style club where everyone’s welcome.”

It’s been a long and successful journey.

“I played Under 19s in 2011 and 12, then Seniors from 2013 onwards. It’s the only club I’ve played for since I was a junior.

It’s a long time and it’s been pretty special. It’s nice to reach this milestone and reflect a bit.”

Jim has enjoyed the ultimate success on three occasions – his favourite on-field memories.

“I’ve played in three flags – 2015, 17 and the famous mud-heap Grand Final of 2022. The first two were in C-Grade and the last one in B. That last one in the mud at Elsternwick Park is certainly the most memorable one!”

Still just 31 years of age, Jim has enjoyed a good run with injury over the last decade.

“The body has generally been pretty good. A few things are creeping in these days though!”

A running half-back who is a good user of the footy, Paul has noticed a shift in the role over the years, which has become one of the more prominent in the game.

“These days defenders attack more and attackers defend more!”

“James has had a massive impact on our club in my eight years at OH,” said coach, Daniel Ward.

“When I first got here, we were in C-Grade and our group was very young. I was looking for a captain and James stood out with his professionalism and the standards he expected from his teammates. He became my captain from 2017-23, including premierships in 2017 and 22.

“He was an integral part of us being promoted to A-Grade last year for the first time in 12 years. He’s short on words but leads the way with his actions, both on and off the field.”

Jim is looking forward to celebrating his milestone over a few post-game beers with family and friends.

“The relationships, connections and friendships built over the years is what sticks out most. The club is like my second family and gives me a strong purpose outside of work (he is a financial advisor). I’m proud of being involved.”