AFL Daily: Hawthorn rising stars James Worpel and Harry Morrison on Jarryd Roughead's influence and playing under Alastair Clarkson
HAWTHORN rising star James Worpel might get a fatherly talking to at training after jokingly describing Hawks captain Jarryd Roughead as a "dad" at the club. Re-cap all the day's breaking news and our rolling coverage of Friday's Rising Star awards ceremony.
To James Worpel he’s like another Dad and Harry Morrison thinks of him as an older brother.
Hawthorn captain Jarryd Roughead might baulk at the fatherly comparison from a teenager, but it’s meant as a mark of respect for his influence on young teammates.
Worpel and Morrison have enjoyed strong seasons, earning Rising Star nominations and cementing spots in the Hawthorn senior team.
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The teenagers will make their AFL Finals debut next Thursday in the qualifying final against Richmond.
Asked for which teammates had helped them the most, they agreed Roughead has been a major influence.
“Roughy has been really big for me - he has that nice, sort of ‘dad’ feeling about him,” Worpel said.
“You always go to him if you have questions.
“He probably won’t be happy about that, but he yells at you when you need it.”
Morrison wasn’t quite so cheeky, saying: “I will go older brother.”
Then there’s coach Alastair Clarkson, who is known for his fiery temper.
“I heard he was really angry and that sort of thing, but I’ve only seen him flare up a few times after a few poor games,” Morrison said.
“He’s down to earth when you have a chat to him.”
After one senior game last year, Morrison has played 19 this season and hit a strong patch of form ahead of the finals.
He was massive in the closing moments of last week’s tight win over Sydney.
“Last year was a real stepping stone ... I had a really good pre-season and that set me up,” he said.
“I’ve hit some form in the last three or four weeks, so I’m building at the right time of year.
“Stepping up in the big moments only builds confidence - the weekend’s game was good for me and my confidence and I’m sure I will take that into next Thursday’s game.”
Worpel debuted in Round 6 and has slotted impressively into the Hawks midfield.
“It is pretty daunting - each week, every team has a star midfielder,” he said.
“You get used it and try to go about your own thing and not be too worried about them.”
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