Welcome Welcome to Hawthorn: Josh Ward. Extends to 2025!

[Dewyyyyy]

At least at TAC cup level Nick was getting more ball while hitting the scoreboard. Averaged some crazy numbers, 35 disposals and 2 goals a game.

He was unbelievable.

Their metro stuff was awfully similar and Ward was probably better which is partially where my thoughts come from. In season Daicos was the dominant player statistics wise, although he was very much good whilst inflating statistics, Ward wasn’t far behind during the year in terms of impact for their NAB sides. Although as I said completely irrelevant to now.

If this is purely a ‘between the ears’ thing I think the club should look at getting someone in to help. I have a completely unfounded theory that players who are more intelligent than average can far more easily get in their heads and overthink things and get in their own way as a result. Prime example - Will Langford. He clearly had talent and his late 2014 form proved it. How he then faded out I swear was all mental - including that horrible stint late in his career where he missed a painful amount of easy shots for goal. Compare this to say Buddy who isn’t going to ace a test but his instinctual play was scarily good.

Ward is exceptionally smart based on his academic achievements - let’s hope he doesn’t go the same way as Will and can get out of his head on game day.

I think that would be a great idea, personally I love Ward, his onfield and off-field stuff both reasons for why I like him as a person and player, but I see similarities in myself and him, to an extent, you always look at trying to relate to a player. For myself, I play aswell and deal with similar things, overthinking the game, not playing on instinct, not trusting myself, confidence within self, and being ultra meticulous about planning. Talking to someone about it is a great start, and then it’s working through how to shake the shackles and then let it ride after that.

But in his example, as you say, he’s ultra smart, 98 ATAR or something ridiculous, studying multiple degrees. It’s about working through it with someone, finding the keys to unlocking himself and hopefully 2025 is that year it happens.

 

[moginie]

If this is purely a ‘between the ears’ thing I think the club should look at getting someone in to help. I have a completely unfounded theory that players who are more intelligent than average can far more easily get in their heads and overthink things and get in their own way as a result. Prime example - Will Langford. He clearly had talent and his late 2014 form proved it. How he then faded out I swear was all mental - including that horrible stint late in his career where he missed a painful amount of easy shots for goal. Compare this to say Buddy who isn’t going to ace a test but his instinctual play was scarily good.

Ward is exceptionally smart based on his academic achievements - let’s hope he doesn’t go the same way as Will and can get out of his head on game day.

I know that Dylan Moore in an interview said that he was doing mindfulness meditation as he tends to overthink a fair bit. It'd be good if Josh did too.

 

[stevehawkington]

I know that Dylan Moore in an interview said that he was doing mindfulness meditation as he tends to overthink a fair bit. It'd be good if Josh did too.

 

[marklar]

Bump.

Time to get on the Ward bandwagon, 2025 will be his time to shine.

 

[eldorado]

Bump.

Time to get on the Ward bandwagon, 2025 will be his time to shine.

Then trade for pick 31 next year?

 

[MazHawk]

I'm very confident that Josh will get game-time and prove that he really belongs.

 

[rei154]

Then trade for pick 31 next year?

Only if we're packaging our future second with him!

I'm very excited for JW to prove himself this season.

 

[The Chad and I]

I'm very confident that Josh will get game-time and prove that he really belongs.

He has proven he can perform as a mid when he gets time on the ball.
Let's see if he will get to do that more often.
Like all players, he needs continuity.

 

[threesixpio]

Ward hasn’t really had a chance to play consistently in the guts due to our core four mids being established. He's been OK on the wing but you can tell it isn't his natural position and he overthinks significantly.

I wouldn’t mind Will Day playing the Silk/Hodge role of 70% half-forward/back with stints in the midfield. Day would excel, and it would give Ward a chance to grow into his best position.

I think Day is actually pretty decent resting forward too

 

[Simon Crawshay]

I think Day is actually pretty decent resting forward too

Needs to work on her s goalkicking routine though, he is not a great shot for goal.

He's got the size and overhead ability to have an impact down forward though once he sorts that out.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

If this is purely a ‘between the ears’ thing I think the club should look at getting someone in to help. I have a completely unfounded theory that players who are more intelligent than average can far more easily get in their heads and overthink things and get in their own way as a result. Prime example - Will Langford. He clearly had talent and his late 2014 form proved it. How he then faded out I swear was all mental - including that horrible stint late in his career where he missed a painful amount of easy shots for goal. Compare this to say Buddy who isn’t going to ace a test but his instinctual play was scarily good.

Ward is exceptionally smart based on his academic achievements - let’s hope he doesn’t go the same way as Will and can get out of his head on game day.

That was one of Buddy's great strengths, he never over thought anything.

He could kick 5 points in a row yet still keep presenting up and would end up kicking something ridiculous like 7 goals 5 behinds.

He was basically unflappable, I don't think he ever doubted his ability for a microsecond (with good reason of course).

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Bump.

Time to get on the Ward bandwagon, 2025 will be his time to shine.

Yessir

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Needs a tan.

 

[Sixpence]

Needs a tan.

Hey, you leave us pigmentally challenged fellows alone!

 

[bigmaxi]

That was one of Buddy's great strengths, he never over thought anything.

He could kick 5 points in a row yet still keep presenting up and would end up kicking something ridiculous like 7 goals 5 behinds.

He was basically unflappable, I don't think he ever doubted his ability for a microsecond (with good reason of course).

Great point Simon, i think we currently have a few smart blokes who have amazing instincts, read confidence in their ability. Bruest, Gunston and Sicily immediately come to mind. So, Josh has a few blokes to chat to about this, as do all the players, i personally think it is more about putting into practice more than anything else. Read game time.

 

[Noel Gallagher]

He has proven he can perform as a mid when he gets time on the ball.
Let's see if he will get to do that more often.
Like all players, he needs

Great point Simon, i think we currently have a few smart blokes who have amazing instincts, read confidence in their ability. Bruest, Gunston and Sicily immediately come to mind. So, Josh has a few blokes to chat to about this, as do all the players, i personally think it is more about putting into practice more than anything else. Read game time.

Doesn't need to look any further than his draft mate CMAC re confidence in ability. If he had CMacs swagger, he would be unbeatable. Not convinced though that this is the main issue holding him back re consistency..??

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Doesn't need to look any further than his draft mate CMAC re confidence in ability. If he had CMacs swagger, he would be unbeatable. Not convinced though that this is the main issue holding him back re consistency..??

What is your concern re consistency ?

 

[H00t]

What is your concern re consistency ?

Ward very much drifts out of games at AFL level. He doesn’t keep himself involved.

Even at VFL level he will have great games but also have a number of low 20 disposal games.

His best is AFL standard. He just hasn’t been producing it nearly often enough.

 

[Fastback]

Ward very much drifts out of games at AFL level. He doesn’t keep himself involved.

Even at VFL level he will have great games but also have a number of low 20 disposal games.

His best is AFL standard. He just hasn’t been producing it nearly often enough.

Yep seems as if he doesn't believe himself he's at the standard yet - would love to see him take the game by the scruff, own it and know he belongs.

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Ward very much drifts out of games at AFL level. He doesn’t keep himself involved.

Even at VFL level he will have great games but also have a number of low 20 disposal games.

His best is AFL standard. He just hasn’t been producing it nearly often enough.

I agree, but I’m asking what did he or anyone else think the root of this problem is?

People have mentioned his mental as a reason, with overthinking or not trusting his ability enough, not wanting to get involved as many other greats do.

He said he didn’t think that so I am curious what people think.

 

[cryptor]

I agree, but I’m asking what did he or anyone else think the root of this problem is?

People have mentioned his mental as a reason, with overthinking or not trusting his ability enough, not wanting to get involved as many other greats do.

He said he didn’t think that so I am curious what people think.

Ward at AFL level strikes me as an overthinker. No confidence or hunger issues though. I think he just gets caught up in the analytical side of how the play is unfolding and is very disciplined in sticking to his role and doing the less noticeable team things.

That's the trouble with having him play an outside role. If he's given the time and space to think then he can end up doing it to his detriment. He looked great in the finals when he went on-ball. I'd put that down to the time and space being reduced to the point where he was forced to play more instinctively.

I'm confident that he will be a great 250+ game player for us. The idea that he doesn't make it doesn't cross my mind.

 

[H00t]

I agree, but I’m asking what did he or anyone else think the root of this problem is?

People have mentioned his mental as a reason, with overthinking or not trusting his ability enough, not wanting to get involved as many other greats do.

He said he didn’t think that so I am curious what people think.

Ward is simply too passive while playing currently.

He’s clearly a very talented individual and that ability has carried him through his junior career and even at VFL level.

Problem is at AFL level you have to get the ball by either winning the hardball or getting free and demanding the ball on the outside. He finds himself not doing either.

He still gets the ball when it comes to him but he isn’t going out of his way to get it. Which is why he has very quiet days.

Some players just have “it” that bit extra to put their stamp on the game. Ward hasn’t shown any of that so far.

 

[Howe Amazing]

Thought he went to another level in the finals

 

[threesixpio]

Ward at AFL level strikes me as an overthinker. No confidence or hunger issues though. I think he just gets caught up in the analytical side of how the play is unfolding and is very disciplined in sticking to his role and doing the less noticeable team things.

That's the trouble with having him play an outside role. If he's given the time and space to think then he can end up doing it to his detriment. He looked great in the finals when he went on-ball. I'd put that down to the time and space being reduced to the point where he was forced to play more instinctively.

I'm confident that he will be a great 250+ game player for us. The idea that he doesn't make it doesn't cross my mind.

Ditto - it’s a given for me too and I don’t get the Ward doubters. He and Cam are going to be huge for us

 

[Sixpence]

Some players just have “it” that bit extra to put their stamp on the game. Ward hasn’t shown any of that so far.

You mustn't have watched his finals series if you think that.