Last night, I heard something I’ve been waiting to hear for a very long time: genuine praise of Hawthorn’s new midfield machine, James Worpel.
For most of this season I’ve been hot on Worpel, who has been one of the players to benefit from the unfortunate injury to reigning Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell.
When the news came through Mitchell would miss the season, I held grave fears for Hawthorn. Enter Worpel and players like Ricky Henderson, who have shouldered the load and put the Hawks in the conversation for the eighth-place finals berth, despite succumbing to North Melbourne on Friday.
What we witnessed against North was truly something special. Seven clearances in the first quarter was a titanic effort and it’s no coincidence that his best quarter was the one when the Hawks ran rampant.
Across the game he accumulated 37 touches, with 21 of those being kicks drenched in class, acting like a seasoned veteran despite it being only the 30th game in his AFL career. His battle with Ben Cunnington – especially in the second quarter – was enthralling as they seemed to trade the upper hand on a stoppage-to-stoppage basis.
It’s been a dominant month for the man they call Worpedo. His 33 touches against Fremantle were followed by a quieter yet valuable 24 against Geelong in a huge win. His 34 disposals against Brisbane were a season high that lasted a grand total of six days, being overtaken by his aforementioned 37 against North.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
The question still remains: can Worpel succeed storied Hawks midfielders like Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge and Brad Sewell?
Statistically speaking, the numbers say yes.
In his second season, Worpel ranks above average in disposals (26.3), effective disposals (17.5), clearances (5.9), metres gained (376.9), tackles (4.8) and pressure acts (21.8).
For a player with 30 games of senior football, that is no mean feat. Clearly he’s good off the ball as well as on it, a valuable quality that will remind Hawthorn fans of a previous No.5 in Sam Mitchell.
There are also areas he needs to improve in. He ranks below average in marks, and despite his effective disposals being above average, his kicking efficiency ranks in below the competition benchmark.
Although if there’s one coach in the AFL that can fix issues in a young footballer’s game, it’s Alastair Clarkson.
Worpel has the tools and the raw talent as a ball-winning midfielder and there’s a lot to like about him as a long-term prospect.
His best quality, however, is his maturity. He plays like he’s closer to retirement than debut. He doesn’t get lost around the ball and his positioning at centre bounces and general-play stoppages is top class.
Strapping the ‘next big thing’ tag to anyone is a risk, but I have confidence in James Worpel to fulfil it.
Hawthorn have been a recruiting goliath this century, nabbing some huge names through the draft – and for pick 45, Worpel is already materialising as a genuine steal.
Dean
Guest
Me too Nineteen, if not for injury l think he might have played by now. The last few weeks he has been getting regular footy and kicking goals. Kicked 4 on the weekend and by all reports played very well. Mercurial and a strong mark, hard to say but probably need to drop poppy to get him in some time this year. Maybe against the Suns.
Nineteen
Guest
@Dean. Agreed on Lewis. Matt Walker another I'm really interested in seeing take flight in our forward line.
Jesse Dart
Roar Rookie
I must admit I'm eyeing up Hawthorn as my sleeper for the top four next season, which is annoying in that it would've been nice to see you guys closer to the bottom than the top for a change. In all seriousness though, there's a lot to like about the playing group and I feel like a good free agency period (maybe an extra hand down back?) and you guys will be set.
Dean
Guest
Thanks for your reply Jesse. The Hawks have had a great record in the draft, not perfect but seem to get the needs that they are after consistently. I do remember Clarkson stating a couple of years ago that the Hawks would try to target footballers before athletes that have only played minimal football. Worpel is a good example of that. When l watched Worpel's first game, l sat back an thought this kid has got something. What impressed me the most was his willingness and hardness at every contest that he was involved in. Reminded me of a young Joel Selwood. I do believe that if the Hawks were travelling better this year than there would be a lot more people talking about him. I think if he was in the nominations for the rising star this year Walsh would have a fight on his hands. Lewis's progress in 12 months has been outstanding, read reports he is very good at most sports and his work ethic and willingness to improve has impressed the Hawks. While l have been disappointed with the Hawks this year, like Freo can compete and beat the best teams but lose games we shouldn't there has been some real progress with some of the young talent including Impey and Hanrahan who looks like he can play at senior level.
Jesse Dart
Roar Rookie
Hi Dean Thanks for your additional insight, I've only managed to catch a few Hawks games this year so it's great having a supporters perspective as well. As a Fremantle fan I have nothing but envy for your draft record and Worpel once again proves that your recruiting team knows how to get value for their picks. Everybody (rightfully) talks about Tim Kelly as the steal of the 2017 draft, but for me Worpel is very quickly establishing himself as second in that race. I agree with you on Mitch Lewis, to me he looks far more of a threat than Gunston and I expect him to really take the mantle as a 40 goal a season forward as early as next season.
Dean
Guest
Absolutely Jesse. 30 games in and is a genuine ball winner and hard at every contest. Has been really impactful this year and from a Hawthorn supporters perspective l cannot wait until Mitchell is back in the side, will only help Worpel's continuing development. Having Sam Mitchell back as midfield coach has been fantastic for the young mids and can see the influence he has had on Worpel this year. It still astounds me that we were able to pick him up at 45, every club has missed out on a real gem of a player. I think Lewis is another young player that is going to be special, can't wait to watch his development over the next few years