Young Hawk James Worpel has re-committed to the club, extending his contract for a further two seasons.

The re-signing follows an impressive debut season for the 20-year-old, in which he played 11 senior games and was recognised as the Hawks’ Best First Year Player.

GM-Football Graham Wright said the club is thrilled to have secured the promising youngster until at least the end of 2021.

“James is a talented young player with an exciting future ahead of him,” Wright said.

“He’s a great person to have around the club, and obviously he’s become pretty popular with our fans too.

“He had some big moments in 2018. He demonstrated his ability to perform at the elite level and he certainly doesn’t shy away from the contest.

“We’re looking forward to watching his development over the coming years.”

Affectionately known as the ‘Worpedo’ by the Hawthorn faithful, the Bannockburn local was selected with Pick 45 in the 2017 draft after a successful season captaining the TAC Cup’s Geelong Falcons.

He made his AFL debut in Round 6 2018, registering 13 touches and three tackles.

Worpel’s breakout game came in Round 18 against Carlton, when he returned to the senior line up and collected a career-high 32 touches.

Three weeks later, he was recognised with a Rising Star nomination after showing his wares against an experienced Geelong midfield.

Worpel will don the No.5 guernsey in 2019, a number made famous by the likes of Sam Mitchell and the late Peter Crimmins.