Hawthorn draftee Josh Ward got some cheeky advice from his new coach
Carrying on a family legacy and a Hawthorn fan growing up Josh Ward has the professionalism and class to make an immediate impact in 2022.
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Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell had some wise advice for his new charge Josh Ward.
The pair have spoken several times before and after Wednesday night’s draft, where the Hawks snapped up the Fitzroy and Northern Knights midfielder with pick No.7.
With the Victorian first-round picks to meet the media at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, Mitchell gave Ward a friendly warning.
“I’ve spoken to him a few times, he came to the London Tavern with the CEO Justin Reeves, so I had a good chat to him then and then spoke to him again this morning,” Ward said.
“He gave me a bit of media advice, watch out (for journalists) and enjoy the day as well.”
As assured in front of a microphone as he is digging the ball out of a pack, Ward had no problem navigating his first press conference as an official AFL player.
Things will change come this weekend with the Melbourne Grammar student and Fitzroy junior reporting for day one of pre-season training.
A Hawthorn supporter growing up – Ward’s great-grandfather represented the Hawks in the 1920-30s – the dream is still sinking in.
He’s looking forward to working under Mitchell, who’s playing style Ward mirrors closely, but believes there’s plenty to learn from every player.
“I’m going to the club tomorrow to meet everyone and then getting stuck into on Saturday, so straight into it which is good,” Ward said.
“It’s been overwhelming, it feels like everyone from Hawthorn has sent me a message and so many mates and coaches that have been so important for me over the years.
“I just want to get in and learn as much as I can.
“Sam has an incredible footy mind and was an incredible player, so he’ll be someone I’m looking to learn off a lot.
.@NthKnights teammates and now #AFLDraft first-round picks Josh Ward and Darcy Wilmot.
— Ben Higgins (@ben_higgins84) November 25, 2021
The first time since 2015 (Gresham & Fiorini) that the Knights have had 2 first-rounders. Also happened in 2013, 2012, 2007, 2004, 1995 & 1994. @NABLeaguepic.twitter.com/2vH1k74cqo
“All the players, I’m looking forward to getting to know them, and I think there’s something to learn from everyone.”
At 181cm and 79kg and an elite runner, Ward looks ready to go from day one.
As for the dream of actually pulling on the brown and gold in 2022.
“It would be great to play Round 1 and that’s the ultimate goal but there’s a lot of work to do between now and then.”
AFL Draft guru Kevin Sheehan had no doubt Ward could make an immediate impact.
“He’s the ultimate pro as far as a young fella is concerned,’ he said.
“He does all the things right, every training session, every game he plays, he’s level of consistency is at an elite level.
“I think he can (play straight away), he’s an elite runner, he’s got good speed, we remember him back in his 15s year and we thought he might be a bit small but he’s grown to a terrific size.
“He’s a safe bet and, barring injury, he looks a 200-game player.”
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Ward and Northern Knights teammate Darcy Wilmot were the first Knights pair taken in the first-round since 2015.
While Wilmot is a defender, they hope to run into each other in the near future, joking about who will take the bragging rights.
“We play slightly different position but if I’m playing small forward I might have to kick a few goals on him,” Ward said.
To which Wilmot quickly responded: “He wishes, that’s my territory, you just stick to your midfield.”
HOW LOCKDOWN MADE WARD INTO TOP-10 TALENT
Victoria’s 2021 draft prospects were a mystery when football returned this year.
Pretty obvious, considering there wasn’t a single underage game played in the state in 2020.
How the crop of 18- and 19-year-olds used the year off would be critical.
Rated as an late draft chance at the start of the year, Josh Ward is now seen as a near-certain top-10 talent.
The Fitzroy junior and Northern Knights graduate has been likened to Carlton star Sam Walsh and triple Brisbane Lions premiership-winner Luke Power thanks to his silky skills, decision-making, elite endurance and natural leadership.
The young gun believes his preparation in lockdown played a big role in his superb campaign.
“I felt like I really needed a bit of time,” he said
“I would have loved to have been playing but that time was really valuable for me to build my body up and play a full season at a high level.
“I really wanted to play midfield and needed to work on a few things to get to the level I needed. I definitely think it helped in the end.”
Ward only made his NAB League debut this season but made an instant impact, averaging 30.2 disposals per game – ranked second behind Josh Daicos – five marks and five tackles.
Asked to captain Vic Metro in the Under-19 Challenge match against Vic Country, Ward took his game to a new level, finishing with 29 touches, eight clearances and two goals.
The 181cm onballer also captained Melbourne Grammar in the APS competition and was named captain in the NAB League Team of the Year.
Ward believed leadership made him a better player.
“It was an unofficial position, I was asked a few minutes before we ran out, but I enjoyed the experience,” Ward said.
“I captained the school team this year and have captained a few teams in the past, I’ve always felt it kept me accountable and made me a better player.
“I think I lead more by example, on field I’m pretty vocal, but it’s more setting the standard at training and being encouraging as well.”
Then, with Melbourne back in lockdown from August to October, he topped the Vic Metro 2km time trial with a blistering 5min57sec – which would have been good enough for second nationally.
Ward is typically modest when asked about his rise.
“I started a bit slower than I would have liked but I worked my way into it and got more comfortable as the games went on,” Ward said.
“(Northern Knights coach Leigh Clarke told) all the players ‘try to be reliable not remarkable’.
“It took the pressure off us to not feel like we needed to do something special to keep getting a game and keep winning. That was really big for me.
“I’ve never been the biggest, strongest bloke but I think I’ve got clean skills, if I can get myself in the right position and then I’m pretty competitive so I fight for it as hard as I can.”
AFL draft guru Kevin Sheehan has no problem singing his praises.
“He’s a real natural, in fact he’s such a pro he’s been likened to Sam Walsh,” Sheehan told SEN this month.
“He’s such an accomplished player, cool with the ball in his hands, great vision and skills, so he’s a real pro and ready to produce straight away.”
A Hawthorn supporter growing up, Ward has been linked to the Hawks with the No. 5 pick – expected to slip to No. 7 after bids on Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy – and an opportunity to work with Sam Mitchell.
If the Hawks look elsewhere, Richmond could pounce on a player some believe is a clone of triple premiership-captain Trent Cotchin.
Ward is taking all the rumours in his stride.
“I guess it would (to be drafted by Hawthorn), they’d be a great club to go to but in saying that I’d be happy to go anywhere,” he said.
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“It’s nice to hear some of that (top-10) stuff but I’ve got my hands pretty full with school, so it’s not taking up too much of my thoughts.
“It lets you know I’m going in the right direction, I guess it’s reflecting I’ve had a decent season.”
School exams are now in the past and Ward has applied to Monash University for a politics, technology and economics degree.
The AFL Draft will again be held across two days this season, starting November 24.
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