Victorian AFL clubs Melbourne and St Kilda are reportedly targeting out-of-contract Hawk James Worpel, who has yet to be offered a deal beyond 2025.

Although currently sidelined with a syndesmosis injury, Worpel is a regular inclusion in Hawthorn's stacked midfield, featuring in all 25 games in 2024 and all 23 in 2023.

A contested ball-winning machine, Worpel has averaged over 10 contested possessions per game for the last two seasons and has averaged 26 and 21 disposals respectively in those years.

With rival interest in 2023, Worpel signed a two-year extension at Hawthorn until the end of this season, but without a new deal on the table from the club so far, the Demons and Saints are sensing an opportunity to poach the star inside midfielder.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 07: James Worpel of the Hawks handballs during the AFL Opening Round match between Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks at Sydney Cricket Ground, on March 07, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 07: James Worpel of the Hawks handballs during the AFL Opening Round match between Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks at Sydney Cricket Ground, on March 07, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

"Free agent James Worpel is up for grabs," journalist Tom Morris told 9News.

"That's because Hawthorn is yet to offer a deal to the 2019 best and fairest, who isn't far off returning from that ankle injury.

"This inaction has Victorian clubs on high alert, with St Kilda and Melbourne having preliminary interest in the 26-year-old."

With deep midfield stocks at Waverley, Worpel seeking opportunity elsewhere could provide an opening for Cam Mackenzie, Josh Ward or Henry Hustwaite to solidify their own spot in the midfield.

In positive news for Hawthorn fans, the Hawks are also tabling a four-year deal to ruckman Lloyd Meek whose sudden emergence has been emblematic of the Hawks' sharp rise up the ladder, per Nine's Morris.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Dante Visentini of the Power rucks against Lloyd Meek of the Hawks during the round 10 AFL match between Yartapuulti (the Port Adelaide Power) and Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval, on May 19, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Dante Visentini of the Power rucks against Lloyd Meek of the Hawks during the round 10 AFL match between Yartapuulti (the Port Adelaide Power) and Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval, on May 19, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Averaging 36.1 hitouts and 14 disposals in 2024, Meek has etched himself into the conversation as one of the AFL's premier ruckmen.

"The Hawks and Lloyd Meek's management are working towards a fresh four-year deal for the out-of-contract player," Morris said.

"All parties expect he'll eventually recommit."

Hawthorn takes on recent rivals Port Adelaide at Gather Round this weekend in a mouthwatering rematch of last year's semi-final clash, with Worpel a potential chance at returning given his 1-2 week recovery timeline in last week's Hawthorn injury report.