Geelong recruit James Worpel wants to bring a “different dynamic” to the Cats midfield in 2026.
Speaking to the media for the first time in his new threads on Wednesday, Worpel said he was integrating well into the squad after joining the club as a Free Agent in the off-season.
Star on-ballers Bailey Smith and Max Holmes spearheaded the grand finalists' engine room this year, with Worpel's strong build set to complement their run-and-gun style.
The Geelong Falcons junior played 148 games for Hawthorn across eight seasons prior to the shift, which was widely anticipated for much of 2025.
"I just want to bring my experience, about 150 games now, and eight years in," Worpel said.
"I am an inside mid, powerful and a good clearance player, so I just want to bring that to the Cats.
"Hopefully, I can bring a different dynamic into the midfield."
Having chosen number 29 made famous by superstar Gary Ablett junior, Worpel is hoping to bounce back from a solid but unspectacular year where he played through injury and was scrutinised, given the upcoming contract decision.
Worpel joined on a four-year deal, with the lure of returning home and Geelong's list better suiting his future, securing his signature.
"There was definitely a bit to go through. I think a few of the media people were just guessing – ended up being a good guess,” Worpel said.
"But there was a lot of talks between the club and then my management group. But it's never as clear-cut as it seems.
"It was just right timing for me.
"I think where the club was going, Hawthorn, where they were going with their list and their profile, and Geelong obviously being interested was flattering, and I think the timing was perfect.
"And footy is not forever, and opportunities like this don't come around very often.
"I'm good enough to be playing in the midfield at Hawthorn, and I think I'll be good enough to play here as well.
"So it wasn't really worrying me too much about that position in the team.
"But the nostalgia around coming home and being close to my family and friends is the main drawing card."
