AFL career
Aish was drafted by the Brisbane Lions with their first selection and 7th overall in the 2013 AFL draft. [3] He made his debut in the opening round of the 2014 AFL season against Hawthorn [4] where he collected 17 disposals. He collected a season-high 25 disposals (including 12 contested), laid four tackles and kicked a goal in Round 6 against St Kilda, which not only helped the Lions secure their first win of the season, but also earned him a Rising Star nomination. [5]
He went on to play in all but one of the team's 21 senior matches (he was rested from the Lions' Round 14 clash against Fremantle in Perth) and collected 20 or more disposals on nine occasions. Aish ranked 6th at the club in total disposals (370), 4th in marks (94), 5th in tackles (77), and 7th in clearances (43). He finished fourth in the NAB AFL Rising Star award – behind Lions teammate Lewis Taylor who was awarded the Ron Evans Medal [6] – and finished ninth in his maiden Merrett–Murray Medal count. [7]
In October 2015, he was traded to Collingwood. [8]
He was traded to Fremantle at the conclusion of the 2019 AFL season. [9] Aish's first season at Fremantle was during the COVID-19 affected 2020 AFL season, which saw only 17 games played instead of 21. [10] Aish finished the season having played all but one game. Although traditionally a midfielder before joining Fremantle, Aish's versatility meant he often spent time rotating between the wing, midfield and defence. [11]
Round 16 of the 2022 AFL season saw Aish collect 29 disposals and kick 2 goals during Fremantle's 8-point win over Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium. [12]
Aish collected an equal career-high 31 disposals and was among Fremantle's best in Round 3 of the 2023 AFL season, during the Western Derby. [13]
Aish made the line-up for Fremantle's opening game of the 2024 AFL season against his former side the Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium. Aish played an important role collecting 26 disposals and six score involvements during the 23-point come from behind win. [14] He collected 29 disposals two weeks later in round three against Adelaide at Optus Stadium. [15] Aish was one of Fremantle's better players in round four during their game against Carlton at Adelaide Oval, which was played in Adelaide due to the AFL's Gather Round. He finished the game with 27 disposals. [16] The match was not without controversy as a kick which was touched by James before being marked by Matt Cottrell went unseen by the AFL umpire's, resulting in a crucial Carlton goal in the last two minutes of the game. [17] The poor officiating was subject to both media scrutiny and fan backlash in the days following. [18] [19]
Aish announced his retirement at the conclusion of Fremantle's 2025 season. [20]
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