He may seem like it but he's not your typical teenager.

The 16-year-old was born with polycystic kidney disease, which sees faulty genes cause cysts to grow in the kidneys.

As the cysts grow, the kidney function declines.

Some parents might shelter their children when it comes to the hustle and bustle of football, particularly when their child has an illness.

But not James' mother Barbara, who believed her son might as well pull on the boots as a youngster because who knew how long his career was going to last.

"I played my first game when I was five in under 12s," James said.

"I can't really remember it."

James' football memories were supposed to be limited.

It was predicted he would need a kidney transplant at the tender age of 10, ruling out any hefty milestones.

But a couple of days shy of his 17th birthday, he is proud to have played 200 games ? all but four for Merrivale.

His double century came last Saturday, with the Tigers' junior teams creating an honour guard for James before he ran out onto Allansford Recreation Reserve.

Despite Merrivale going down to the Cats, the forward left the oval on a high after being carried off by his teammates.

Later that night the teenager, who has also played a couple of senior games for the Tigers this season, went to a party.

"He's never been wrapped in cotton wool . He just does everything that a normal kid would do," said Barbara, who lost a newborn to polycystic kidney disease the year before James was born.

Laidback James agrees he is very similar to your usual, sports-loving kid.

"I just get tired pretty easy and I get more aches and pains," he said .

The disease means James undergoes a strict medication routine, which includes taking blood pressure tablets daily.

Unfortunately his condition is getting worse .