Former AFL player Aaron James was back in court this week, where he pleaded guilty to indecent behaviour after being caught in budgie smugglers with a naked woman and engaging in “NSFW” shenanigans behind beach boxes at Dromana earlier this year.
The 48-year-old, who played for Collingwood, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs, appeared via video link from remand at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. Magistrate David Starvaggi fined him $1,000 for the offence, which occurred on 8 March.
Public Indecency Incident
Police were called after a member of the public reported seeing James behind the beach boxes wearing only tight-fitting black swimwear. According to the Herald Sun, a police summary read in court, read that James was seen applying liquid from a green bottle onto a naked woman, who was on all fours in the sand, at this point James was also naked and was seen allegedly thrusting his hips while exposing himself.
Further Legal Trouble Ahead
While the indecent behaviour matter has been finalised, James is still facing a raft of other charges. These include drug possession, theft, handling stolen number plates, sexual exposure, and dangerous driving offences allegedly committed between November 2024 and May 2025.
Police allege that on 14 January, he drove on the wrong side of the road at high speed, failed to stop when directed by officers, drove without number plates, and was disqualified from driving at the time.
The remaining matters were adjourned after the court’s video link was close to expiring. Hearings are set to continue next week. James has been in custody since his arrest on 26 May, following a public appeal and the release of his mugshot when he failed to appear in court.
AFL Career and Beyond
James was drafted to Collingwood in 1993 and went on to play 54 AFL games across three clubs before retiring from the top level in 2002. Post-AFL, he enjoyed a prolific career in country and suburban football, including multiple 100-goal seasons and a premiership with Gisborne.
