James would only play three seasons with Collingwood, often as a bench warmer and he was traded to Adelaide.
James was recruited by Adelaide to add depth to their list, often coming off the bench or playing back pocket.
He played 17 games in his first season, including coming off the bench in the 1997 AFL Grand Final.
Nowadays he works on his Kersbrook farm with his brother Roger, who also won the premiership in 1997 with Norwood alongside Brett and also with Port Adelaide in 2004.
James also is captain coach of Kersbrook in the Hills Football League.