After eight years and 148 games with Hawthorn, James Worpel made the decision to move down the highway and join Geelong as a free agent following the 2025 season.
A tough and experienced inside midfielder, Worpel was originally from Bannockburn and played with the Geelong Falcons prior to being drafted.
He went on to win a best and fairest with the Hawks and earned a selection in the AFLPA's 22Under22 team, both coming in 2019.
Worpel has averaged over 20 disposals, four tackles and five clearances per game for each of the last three seasons.
He also finished in Hawthorn's top four players for contested possessions, clearances and tackles, despite only playing 21 games.
Set to add valuable depth to Geelong's midfield unit in 2026 and beyond, Worpel will look to add a new level of toughness in the Cats engine room.
After eight years and 148 games with Hawthorn, James Worpel made the decision to move down the highway and join Geelong as a free agent following the 2025 season.
A tough and experienced inside midfielder, Worpel was originally from Bannockburn and played with the Geelong Falcons prior to being drafted.
He went on to win a best and fairest with the Hawks and earned a selection in the AFLPA's 22Under22 team, both coming in 2019.
Worpel has averaged over 20 disposals, four tackles and five clearances per game for each of the last three seasons.
He also finished in Hawthorn's top four players for contested possessions, clearances and tackles, despite only playing 21 games.
Set to add valuable depth to Geelong's midfield unit in 2026 and beyond, Worpel will look to add a new level of toughness in the Cats engine room.
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Geelong Football Club acknowledges Wadawurrung as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Land on which our club, our families and our communities work and play. We pay our respects to Elders of the past, the present, and those that will lead their collective future. Kardinyu, in Wadawurrung language is the place of the morning sun, a place of deep cultural connection and significance, a meeting place since the beginning of time. We are honoured to walk with the Wadawurrung People, to listen, respect and talk together on our journey on Wadawurrung Country.
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