Key stats:

AFL games: 23

Disposals per game: 26.1

Clearances per game: 6.5  

Inside 50s per game: 5.1

Season summary:

The tough and creative midfielder was back to his prime this year, finishing fourth in the Hawks best and fairest count. The 24-year-old continued to look at home around the contest and has been a model of consistency in 2023, averaging 26.1 disposals per game. Becoming one of the best centre clearance players in the game, Worpel was one of four Hawks to have played every game this season, averaging 6.5 clearances along with 5.1 inside 50s per game.

Best AFL game:

Worpel produced an enormous performance in his side's heartbreaking two point loss to GWS in Round 5, finishing with a season-high 35 disposals, 7 tackles and 8 clearances.

How the coaches saw him:

“Worps produced a really good year. He had a really strong summer, he came back from his shoulder surgery, attacked the pre-season and off that back of that had a really consistent year. He got back to what makes him a good footballer by being tough inside. He really aimed to try improve his damage from the inside to out with his use of skills. His handballing and kicking outside the contest is really important too and he really improved that part of his game. As a young midfielder he is a really important figure in setting the standard in there with Nashy, Jai and Daysy. He’s back to the level that he won a best and fairest at. I’m really happy for him and his progression this year.” – David Hale