Off the back of his most challenging season of his career to date, James Worpel has since recaptured some of his best form in 2023.

After undergoing a shoulder reconstruction last season, the inside midfielder has come back roaring, with his performances this year resembling the form of his impressive 2019 campaign that saw him win the Peter Crimmins Medal. 

Now, the the 24-year-old is eyeing his 100th game this weekend against the Western Bulldogs.

Speaking to SEN Sportsday on Wednesday, Worpel said it was an accomplishment to reach the milestone.

"To play 100 games of AFL footy is something I never thought I'd do, even growing up as a young kid," Worpel explained.

"You always have your doubts, I was a low draft pick, there wasn't many expectations of me coming into a club that was coming off a fair few premierships.

"But I've been lucky enough to get through my six years now and hopefully there is some more to come."

Worpel, or ‘Worps’ as he is affectionately known by teammates and fans, joined the club via Pick 45 in the 2017 national draft.

He was one of the football success stories of 2019 after winning the Hawks’ best and fairest in just his second season at the top level, making him the club's youngest winner since AFL legend Leigh Matthews in 1971.

But in 2020, his season was cut short after 15 appearances when he injured his shoulder.

Then, despite a slow start to 2021, Worpel went on to average 21.3 disposals per game, excelling his place among Hawthorn's engine room.

But 2022 came with arguably the most difficult challenges, with the midfielder dealing with form and fitness issues across the first half of the season.

And just when he looked like he was starting to return to his previous form again, injury struck.

After a month out of the senior side which included a stint in the VFL, Worpel's season ended in his return AFL game when he dislocated his shoulder against Greater Western Sydney in Round 16. 

But, much like he has done before, Worpel didn't let last year's obstacle get in his way, and has since painted 2023 into a new story.

Returning to full fitness following a shoulder reconstruction, Worpel has played a key role in a revamped Hawthorn midfield that features the likes of Jai Newcombe, Will Day, Conor Nash, Cam Mackenzie and Josh Ward.

Excelling around stoppages, the hard-nosed midfielder has averaged 26.1 disposals, alongside a career-high 12.6 contested possessions and 6.4 clearances from 20 appearances in 2023.

The 100 game milestone has a bit more significance inside the four walls of Hawthorn, with Worpel now the eighth most experienced player currently on Hawthorn's list, just sitting behind Captain James Sicily (131) games. 

Worpel said although last year was challenging, he was able to keep things in perspective. 

"Last year was difficult...I had a bit of a form slump last year, but it's not anything that doesn't really happen in everyones career at some stage," Worpel added.

"I'm still quite young and I've had my whole career at Hawthorn, and loving my time here at the moment.

"I do think we are really close to some success and I really want to be apart of that. I love Sam Mitchell as a coach and we have a very good relationship."