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| PLAYER
PROFILE
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| Position: |
Forward Pocket |
| Number: |
35 |
| Games: |
106 |
| Goals: |
100 |
| Born: |
Oct 4 1964 |
| Height: |
184 |
| Weight: |
78 |
| From: |
Old Xaverians |
| First Played: |
1984 |
| Nickname: |
Freak |
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'The Freak' - it was a term of endearment for James Morrissey, the mercurial goalsneak who finally won a place in the game's most powerful line-up, and played in three premierships.
Morrissey served a lengthy reserves apprenticeship before his first game in 1984, and saw plenty of the twos thereafter as he struggled to push the likes of Leigh Matthews, Gary Buckenara, Ken Judge and Russell Morris out of the forward slots.
It took five seasons for him to win a regular place, but like so much in his career, the Freak's timing was perfect - he slotted onto a half forward flank in 1988 and clung on for three flags.
His nickname referred to his ability to kick miraculous goals - best exemplified by Sandy Roberts' commentary in the 1991 Qualifying Final as Morrissey slotted a remarkable six-pointer to help bury the Eagles: They call this boy 'The Freak' - what can he do? ... That is why they call him 'The Freak'!
Morrissey made his name as a goalkicker, but his finest moment was in defence in the 1991 Grand Final. Assigned the stopping role on the mercurial Chris Lewis, he thrashed his potentially dangerous opponent and went close to winning Norm Smith honours. Naturally, he also found time to go forward and steer through a woomerbanger off one step in the third quarter - the quintessential Freak goal.
Injuries slowed him down after the 1991 triumph, and he was delisted at the end of 1993. Collingwood picked up Morrissey in the hope of replacing another freakish 35, but persistent fitness troubles ensured that Jimmy did not add to his games tally at Victoria Park. |
fjrigjwwe9r2Achievements:Achievement fjrigjwwe9r1Achievements:Achievement Premierships - 1988, 1989, 1991 | fjrigjwwe9r2Achievements:Achievement Hawthorn Life Member - 2004 |
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