A gun Hawks midfielder remains unsigned beyond 2025 — and that reportedly has rival teams “on high alert”.
Plus why a Melbourne great believes Christian Petracca’s raw reaction to a recent loss is no cause for concern.
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HAWK’S LIMBO STATUS AS RIVALS ‘ON HIGH ALERT’
Hawthorn on-baller James Worpel remains without a contract beyond this season – and Victorian clubs, subsequently, are “on high alert”, according to Channel 9 chief football reporter Tom Morris.
Worpel, who’s played 128 games in eight seasons at the Hawks, in 2023 signed a two-year extension that got him to free agency, which he’ll be eligible for at season’s end.
Morris on Monday night indicated at least two rival clubs had shown “preliminary interest” in Worpel, who hasn’t played since Opening Round due to an ankle issue.
“As we go to air tonight, free agent James Worpel is up for grabs,” Morris reported on 9 News Melbourne on Monday night.
“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.”
Morris also reported the Hawks and much-improved ruck Lloyd Meek were “working towards a fresh four-year deal”.
‘THAT’S THE BIG LEAP’: DEES GREAT CONFIDENT STAR’S FUTURE IS RED AND BLUE
Melbourne champion Garry Lyon firmly believes Christian Petracca’s raw post-match frustration on Friday night doesn’t reflect a desire to leave the club.
Petracca, who was reportedly keen to explore a move to a rival club last season despite being contracted until the end of 2029, was visibly agitated after the Demons’ 39-point loss to Geelong last week, which consigned them to a 0-4 record.
When asked if his captain was doing OK post-match, Demons coach Simon Goodwin told reporters he had no doubts Petracca would be fine and that his response to the loss was simply the sign of a proud “winner”.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday night, Lyon said Petracca’s post-game reaction last week “can be interpreted one or two ways”, but was confident it didn’t indicate the superstar midfielder wants out.
“There’s two ways to look at it: This is either an upset and frustrated footballer who demands high standards and is not getting it – which I think is absolutely fine – or, as some others are saying, this is clearly a player who wants out,” Lyon told AFL 360.
“Never wanted to show weakness” | 02:49
“Now, I reckon that’s the big leap, personally. I don’t know what information you’ve got to draw that conclusion – maybe you’ve got that or not – but this speaks to the frustration.
“Everyone’s different. I would like to take that frustration behind closed doors, because you’re also sending a message to 22 other blokes that are out there on the field, but that’s OK.
“I’m hoping it’s the former and not the latter – the former being upset and frustrated, high-standard bloke who’s not getting there, he or the team … and not looking for a home, because I think that’s the biggest leap. And if that was the case, that would disappoint me enormously.”
Lyon said Petracca now must “be part of the solution” to help the Demons turn their fortunes around.
“The Brisbane Lions battled in the early part of last year. Lachie Neale was frustrated and annoyed – perhaps it wasn’t as obvious as this – but he got to work and fixed it. And that’s what confronts Christian and this group,” Lyon said.
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