Hawthorn’s Josh Ward opens up on his place in the side

Josh Ward came into Hawthorn’s side this year on the back of an injury to James Worpel and his form suggests he won’t easily be displaced. The former top-10 pick opens up on the club’s “trust” and fighting for his place.

Josh Ward of the Hawks celebrates a goal against Carlton this year. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Josh Ward says “justifying their faith” as Hawthorn’s top draft pick has been one of the driving factors behind his superb start to the season.

The 21-year-old returned to the unbeaten Hawks side the past two games to replace James Worpel (injury, suspension). He has shown why the club took him with their first draft selection at number seven in the 2021 draft.

The former Vic Metro captain racked up a combined 46 touches in Hawthorn’s wins over Essendon and Carlton, before Saturday night’s blockbuster against fellow unbeaten team GWS in Launceston.

More known for his classy skills, Ward had nine contested possessions in each game and capped his display against the Blues with seven tackles and a goal.

Although there’s been a couple of injuries along the way, Ward admitted repaying Hawthorn for taking him so high in the draft has been at the back of his mind after playing 42 games his first three seasons.

“It does a little bit sometimes. As a high draft pick, it’s hard not to think I should be doing better than I have so far,” Ward said.

“The club put a lot of faith into me with picking me with their first pick, so I really want to give back to them and reward them for that.

“That’s part of the reason I’ve worked so hard and to be the best player I can be, to justify their trust in me.”

Josh Ward in action against Carlton. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

That trust seems to be paying off and although it’s been tough to nail a permanent spot, Ward prefers to view it as a positive.

He said training with Hawks midfield guns Worpel, Will Day, Jai Newcombe and Conor Nash is the ideal litmus test.

“It’s a very competitive team to get into obviously, but it’s a good problem to have,” Ward said.

“I’ve tried to look at it in the positive sense that when I do get my chance, I’ll be well prepared, and that seems to have come through.

“I’ve been happy to come in and be trusted to play my role. I feel like I’ve been well prepared with it, and I had a strong pre season against high standard midfielders in Daysy, Nashy, Worps and Newcs.

“Coming in I was confident I could contribute to the team, and I feel like I’ve done that so far.”

The question mark over the Hawks, currently flag favourites, was whether they could handle a bigger target on their backs after last year’s blistering finish to the season.

They’ve won all three games in strong fashion, and Ward said they’re viewing the pressure as a privilege.

Josh Ward of the Hawks is tackled by Carlton’s Matthew Cottrell. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“It’s been exciting,” he said.

“Other teams are scouting us probably harder than last year and there’s the expectation we do win which is a bit different. I haven’t had that as much in my time at the club so far.

“You never quite know where you stand at the end of pre season. We felt like we had a great one but every other team probably feels the same way.

“It’s been good to see the first three rounds the boys have been sticking to the game plan and structures, and bringing the intent as well.”

Ward said improving his stoppage and contest work had been a major focus over summer.

“My conversations with Sam (Mitchell, coach) have always been about what can I do to be the best player I can be,” Ward said.

“That’s chipping away at the things I’m working on to play inside mid like stoppage craft, recognising dangerous space and playing to my strengths at stoppage.

“On top of that I’ve been making sure my kicking and decision making are as strong as possible. Those are the things I can use to really help us win I feel.”

Ward believes he has the versatility to find a home in the Hawks best team, even when the midfield is fully fit.

“I feel like I can (play different roles). I’ve spent a lot of time developing my wing role the first four years at the club, that gives me some flexibility to have the ability to play inside mid and wing.

“You have to have multiple strings to your bow. The strengths I’ve always had have been my ball use, and I’ve been working really hard on my stoppage work and inside stuff as well.

“We don’t talk at all about the fancy stuff, the ‘Hollywood Hawks’. What you want to be known for is a team that’s tough and hard at it. I feel like we are that, and the rest is icing on the cake.”

Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash begins at 7.35pm, the first regular season night game at Launceston’s since Hawthorn played St Kilda in round six, 2018. Tickets are available HERE.