Geelong recruit James Worpel on on his move, media ‘guessing’ and difficult 2025 campaign
James Worpel’s move to Geelong appeared inevitable, but the midfielder says it was no certainty. He reflects on an admittedly disappointing campaign, his free agency call and what he hopes to bring to Geelong.
New Cat James Worpel said early reports of his destined move to Geelong were guesswork as he admitted that Hawthorn’s changing list profile was among the reasons he decided to return to his hometown of Geelong.
Worpel, 26, crossed from Hawthorn to its arch-rivals the Cats as a free agent after what he described as a disappointing and difficult season marred by injury, including a syndesmosis blow in opening round and a quad cork in round 13.
While the 2019 Peter Crimmins medallist was demoted to the substitute in round 21 against Adelaide, he was confident of holding his spot in the Hawthorn midfield and cementing his place in the Cats engine room next season.
Worpel and his management met with the Cats throughout the year and the former Hawk said the timing was right to return where he grew up, living in nearby Bannockburn.
He stressed that his move to Geelong wasn’t a fait accompli.
“There was definitely a bit to go through. I think a few of the media people were just guessing – ended up being a good guess,” Worpel said.
“But there was a lot of talks between the club and then my management group. But it’s never as clear cut as it seems.
“It was just right timing for me. I think where the club was going, Hawthorn, where they were going with their list and their profile.
“And Geelong obviously being interested was flattering and I think the timing was perfect. And footy is not forever and opportunities like this don’t come around very often.
“I’m good enough to be playing in the midfield at Hawthorn, and I think I’ll be good enough to play here as well.
“So it wasn’t really worrying me too much about that position in the team. But the nostalgia around coming home and being close to my family and friends is the main drawing card.”
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has gone to great lengths to prise players from rival clubs, and he did his best to convince Worpel to stay.
There was no big pitch from the Cats, with the 2017 Geelong Falcons premiership captain well aware of the club’s reputation.
“He did (put a strong case). Me and Sam have a good relationship. I loved my time at Hawthorn and will cherish it forever, and the club’s in good hands, and I think they’re going to be in good hands for a long time,” Worpel said.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how they go and obviously I will see them at Easter Monday and throughout the year.
“Obviously you speak throughout the year and they (Geelong) didn’t really pitch anything to me, really.
“It was just get to know each other and see if we can make a deal and get it done.
“I knew what the club was about, I knew what the culture was about, I knew what the environment and the location was as well.
“Really wanted to make sure I was coming to a good, strong club with a good history and potential to play in grand finals and finals.”
The move sees him link up with his former Falcons flag teammate Gryan Miers, who has helped him settle in at Kardinia Park.
Interesting, Carlton star Sam Walsh — who the Cats have been linked to — was also part of that premiership side and is unsigned beyond 2026.
“Me and Walshy speak every now and again as well. There’s a few players out there from that team that are good players. So whatever he does at Carlton is up to him, but of course we’d welcome him in the blue and white,” Worpel said with a smile.
Worpel was unable to have his usual impact in 2025, averaging 20 touches and 74 Champion Data ranking points – his lowest return in a full season since his debut campaign.
He said this due to his injury setbacks rather than the pressure of a contract year.
“It was disappointing to be honest, it was probably my most injury riddled year, which was annoying and probably not good timing with the contract and everything,” Worpel said.
“But we made a prelim final and we got to play some finals and Hawthorn are a really strong team, and they’re going to contend again.
“But it was a difficult time and happy it is done now.
“It was a bit stressful towards the end of the year when things were getting pretty serious. But everyone’s got stresses in their life and contracts - at least I’ve got one,” he added with a laugh.
Worpel has marvelled at the athleticism and running ability of Geelong side in his short time at the club – traits shared by Hawthorn – and he believes he can add experience and clearance-winning to the Cats midfield.
After wearing his former coach’s prized No. 5 at Hawthorn, Worpel chose the No. 29 previously worn by dual best-and-fairest Cam Guthrie and two-time Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett Jr.
“I’ve been pretty lucky with the numbers I’ve worn in my AFL career,” Worpel said.
“So big shoes to fill, but want to make it my own and couldn’t be happy to be in 29 to be honest, it is a great number.”
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Originally published as Geelong recruit James Worpel on on his move, media ‘guessing’ and difficult 2025 campaign
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