The 25-year-old was recently delisted by the Brisbane Lions after seven years at the club and is desperate to prolong his 94-game career elsewhere.
At his best, Polkinghorne is a lively half-forward with a good leap and surprisingly good hands overhead for his 184cm-frame.
After falling out of favour with Michael Voss in the second half of 2013, he hoped a fresh start with new coach Justin Leppitsch might revive his career.
But for the first time in his life, Polkinghorne's body let him down.
Patella tendonitis restricted him to less than half of pre-season training and, struggling to find form at half fitness, he played just two senior games in 2014.
Which unwanted players can find a new home?
After playing some solid football at NEAFL level, Polkinghorne then suffered a freak accident at training – stepping backwards onto a pile of marker cones – that required ankle surgery and ended his season.
Polkinghorne's injury woes and resulting form struggles, coupled with Leppitsch's desire to throw his teenagers in at the deep end, spelt the end.
The popular Victorian said he totally understood Leppitsch's rationale for cutting him, but he was now hell-bent on proving his best play was still ahead of him.
"I've still got that burning motivation and drive to fulfill my potential and achieve what I want to achieve," Polkinghorne said.
"You'd think at 25, although my year this year hasn't been great with injuries, your body is coming into its prime.
"I've had the experience and been around the industry for a while to know what's going on."
Polkinghorne is already training again and hopeful of getting a look-in at another club – preferably back in his hometown of Melbourne, although he doesn't want to limit himself.
Clubs don't have to look too hard to remind themselves of how good his best is.
Polkinghorne is fearless, as show by the collision with Chris Judd – that he won – late in a thrilling 2009 elimination final with the game on the line.
There's also the 60m torpedo to cap a three-goal game and get the Lions over the line in a memorable 2012 upset victory over West Coast at the Gabba.
There's no issues with his body now and he's ready to go.
James Polkinghorne gets the jump on Shane Savage during the Lions' win in NZ. Picture: AFL Media
"I think early in my career when I played as a leading forward, I think I was most dangerous then," he said.
"I think I was hard to match-up on for defenders where I could play a bit overhead as well as crumbing.
"I think my nous around goals is where my strength lies.
"I'm too young to not play and fulfill my potential so I want to keep everything open.
"I still feel like there's a lot of good footy to be played.
"You've got this burning desire inside and chip on your shoulder, but most importantly I want to prove to myself.
"You put endless years of hard work in and I'm the sort of player that goes for perfection, so until you reach that goal, you're not satisfied.
"I've got a lot to prove and that's the drive."
Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
