Hawthorn are stepping up contract talks with free agent James Worpel as Geelong, Melbourne, and St Kilda circle the hardened inside midfielder ahead of a potentially lucrative off-season.
The Hawks are quietly confident they’ll get a long-term deal over the line, with recent negotiations moving in the right direction. But they know it won’t come cheap, particularly in a thin free agency market where Worpel’s value continues to rise after a string of standout performances.
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The 26-year-old produced a best-on-ground display against Melbourne last weekend with 28 disposals, 10 tackles and six clearances, a game that saw him earn full coaches’ votes.
Hawks ready to reward midfield leader
Worpel is understood to be seeking a five or six-year deal and a significant salary increase, with reports suggesting clubs are prepared to offer upwards of $700,000 per season to secure his signature.
Despite persistent links to hometown club Geelong, Hawthorn are determined to keep their 2019 best-and-fairest winner and see him as a key figure in their midfield rebuild alongside Jai Newcombe and Will Day.
“The club loves his character, leadership and on-field performances,” reported Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph, who added that Hawthorn have made re-signing Worpel a top priority.
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Worpel returned strongly from a syndesmosis injury that sidelined him for just over a month earlier this season, and has climbed back into top form after a frustrating 2022 campaign marked by form and shoulder issues.
The 26-year-old was drafted with Pick 45 in 2017 and finished fourth in Hawthorn’s best and fairest last year. As the Hawks juggle their list plans, including interest in Harley Reid and Oscar Allen, they’re clear that locking in Worpel is crucial to their immediate future.