Introduction
Josh Bruce (born 8 June 1992) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the St Kilda Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He previously played for the Greater Western Sydney Giants from 2012 to 2013.
Early life
Bruce was born in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory and attended Canberra Grammar School. His older brother, Aaron, was rookie drafted by Sydney in 2008. Josh played junior football for the Eastlake Football Club in the AFL Canberra competition. He was successful as the newly formed Greater Western Sydney Giants drafted Bruce as a zone selection to play with their TAC Cup team in 2010. He continued to play with the Giants in 2011 while the club was competing in the NEAFL.
AFL career
Greater Western Sydney (2012–2013)
Bruce made his debut in round 5, 2012, against the Western Bulldogs in front of a hometown crowd at Manuka Oval, as a late replacement for the injured Chad Cornes. At the end of 2013, Bruce was traded to St Kilda.
St Kilda (2014–)
Bruce played his first game for St Kilda in round 5, 2014 against Essendon. While quiet initially, he was tried as a forward in round 19 against Gold Coast. After a three-goal display, his next pre-season was spent training with the forwards. In 2015, he had a break-out year up forward, with a six goal haul against Gold Coast, and five goal displays against Essendon (twice) and Adelaide. He ended up being St Kilda's leading goalkicker for 2015, kicking 50 goals and finishing eighth in that year's Coleman medal tally.