Hawthorn has secured the services of exciting young gun James Worpel, with the club’s youngest ever Peter Crimmins medallist putting pen to paper on a two-year contract extension. 

The new deal will see Worpel remain a Hawk until at least the end of 2023.

GM-Football Graham Wright said the club was pleased to lock in another of its young stars in for the future.

“James put together an outstanding season in 2019 and again showed us what he is capable of,” said Wright. 

“In really pleasing news, both parties were keen to extend past his current contract. 

“James approaches his training with absolute professionalism and is mature beyond his years. He is always looking to get better and always wants to learn. 

“He is a fantastic young man and is really highly thought of by his fellow teammates as well as the coaches and staff at Hawthorn. We look forward to a long future for James at Hawthorn.”

Worpel was selected with Pick 45 in the 2017 draft after a successful season captaining the TAC Cup’s Geelong Falcons.

Making his debut in Round 6 2018, Worpel registered 13 touches and three tackles. He went on to play all remaining games in the 2018 season. His exciting debut season was recognised in Round 21 with a Rising Star nomination.

Worpel played every game in the 2019 season, taking his total games tally to 33. To top off a break-out season, and in just his second year in the brown and gold, Worpel took home the club’s Peter Crimmins Medal. In doing so, Worpel was the youngest player to win the club’s best and fairest since Leigh Matthews in 1971.

Hawthorn announced Worpel’s re-signing to members and fans at its Family Day and Intraclub match this evening at Waverley Park.