Edwin Ernest 'Eddy' James (14 February 1874 – 16 September 1937) was an Australian rules footballer who played for Geelong in the years before and following the formation of the VFL. James started his career as a backman, playing a game at 15 after Geelong were short for players. He was pushed forward in his return in 1892, and in 1895 finished with 24 goals to be equal third in the VFA goalkicking. In the inaugural VFL season in 1897, he kicked 22 goals in the home and away season to share the Leading Goalkicker Award with Jack Leith. His end of year tally of 27 goals was the most in the league, and the following season he became the first player to kick 50 VFL goals. He kicked a career high seven goals in game against St Kilda in 1898. He again topped the VFL's goalkicking in 1899 with 3