Hawthorn has secured the signature of young midfielder James Worpel for at least another two years, following the 20-year-old's impressive debut season.
The emerging talent recommitted to the club on a two-year contract extension that will see him remain a Hawk until at least the end of 2021.
Worpel left an early impression at the Hawks on his AFL debut and went on to play 11 senior games in 2018.
Hawthorn later recoginsed the debutant as the club's Best First Year Player.
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Club football manager Graham Wright said the club were looking forward to developing the youngster under the Hawthorn banner.
“James is a talented young player with an exciting future ahead of him,” Wright told the club website.
“He’s a great person to have around the club, and obviously he’s become pretty popular with our fans too.
“He had some big moments in 2018. He demonstrated his ability to perform at the elite level and he certainly doesn’t shy away from the contest.
“We’re looking forward to watching his development over the coming years.”
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The ‘Worpedo’ was selected with Pick 45 in the 2017 draft after a successful season captaining Geelong Falcons.
The Worpedo is here to stay! 🤩
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) February 11, 2019
📝: https://t.co/hmu4hHCChK pic.twitter.com/i410ejRCan
The Bannockburn local went on to make his AFL debut in round 6 last season, making 13 touches and three tackles.
Hawthorn will kick-off their 2019 season against the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, March 23.