In an exclusive and revealing interview, new Geelong Cats midfielder James Worpel has spoken candidly for the first time about his high-profile move from Hawthorn, the intense media speculation that surrounded it, and his burning ambition for the 2025 AFL season.
The Trade That Shook the AFL World
Worpel's shift from the brown and gold to the blue and white hoops was one of the more surprising moves of the recent trade period. The 25-year-old, a former Hawthorn best and fairest winner, found himself at the centre of a media storm as rumours swirled about his future. He admits the constant guessing game in the press was a challenging experience.
"It was a bit of a whirlwind," Worpel confessed, reflecting on the trade period. "You hear your name thrown around a lot in the media, and a lot of it is just speculation. It can be difficult to block out the noise, but I had great support from my management and family." Ultimately, the deal that sent him to Geelong in exchange for future draft picks was finalised, marking the end of his 113-game career with the Hawks.
Embracing a Fresh Start at the Cattery
Now settled in his new environment, Worpel is embracing the fresh start and the renowned culture at the Geelong Football Club. He has already begun training with his new teammates and is impressed by the professional standards and the drive within the group, despite the club coming off a difficult 2024 campaign where they missed the finals.
"The welcome has been unbelievable," he said. "From the players to the coaching staff and everyone involved with the club, they've all been first-class. There's a real hunger here to bounce back." Worpel is seen as a key piece in revitalising Geelong's midfield, bringing his trademark toughness, clearance work, and leadership to a unit looking to support stars like Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Stewart.
Looking Ahead to a Defining 2025 Campaign
The upcoming season is already marked as a crucial one for both Worpel and the Geelong Cats. After the disappointment of 2024, the pressure is on to return to premiership contention. Worpel is under no illusions about the challenge ahead but is motivated by the opportunity to prove himself in new colours and help drive the team up the ladder.
"Every player and every club has difficult seasons. What defines you is how you respond," Worpel stated. "For me, 2025 is about contributing to this team in any way I can. I want to bring my strengths, learn from the incredible leaders here, and help Geelong win games of football. The ultimate goal is always success in September."
With a full pre-season ahead to integrate into Chris Scott's game plan, James Worpel's move to Geelong is set to be one of the most watched storylines of the 2025 AFL season. Both the player and the club are betting on a fresh start yielding powerful results.
