JAMES Bell has secured a second chance in the AFL with Greater Western Sydney, four years after being delisted by Sydney. 

The Giants have committed to signing Bell as a Category B rookie under the AFL's newly introduced additional list spot dedicated to First Nations players. 

Bell returned to New South Wales this time last year to join Greater Western Sydney's VFL program in a bid for an AFL lifeline. 

The 27-year-old played 28 games across six seasons at Sydney after graduating from the Swans' Academy to join the AFL list in 2017. 

After being delisted at the end of 2022, Bell moved to South Australia and played in back-to-back premierships for Glenelg before losing the 2025 SANFL Grand Final. 

Bell starred in his first season at the Giants, averaging 23.2 disposals and 4.9 clearances from 11 appearances before his season ended in July due to an ankle injury. 

The inside midfielder has now fully recovered from surgery and is set to start pre-season training with Adam Kingsley's squad next week when the move becomes official following the Rookie Draft. 

A decade after getting his first shot in the AFL as a Category B rookie, Bell is set for another shot via the same mechanism, albeit after a rule change was approved in September. 

Previously, Category B rookie spots were capped at two per club, but are now up to three if one is of Indigenous and First Nations background.  

GWS will also sign former Carlton-listed ruckman Alex Mirkov when the pre-season supplemental selection period opens later this month. 

The 26-year-old will add depth to the Giants' ruck department after returning to the VFL this year with Williamstown. 

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