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

[Leather Poisoning]

Ward's mistakes are so noticeable because they come when he hesitates and puts pressure on himself.

It's actually really interesting how when players make confident mistakes (e..g the Nat Fyfe, Chris Judd types that have 4-5 uncharacteristic errors a game) nobody really things of them as having made a mistake at all and focus on their strengths. But when a player has a wobbly moment as part of the mistake then nobody remembers the positives.

Ward's stats on Friday night were higher in every single category than his 2024 average (except goal assists).
He took his chance in the Elim final. Had a quiet one in the semi but nailed his chance against Essendon. 2 of his last 3 games are what you want from an early draft pick.

The man needs some momentum and this Worpel injury gives him a great chance to get that.

 

[JRH]

I’d like him to trust his handball more. If he can get that in to his game, he is hard to leave out of the side. Watch the 08 grand final on repeat.

 

[matey]

As Mitch said will be a 200 game player for us!

 

[Slainte]

As I have said many times, quiet achiever.

 

[HTPunter]

Hoyney from CD had Ward the third highest ranked player on the ground on Friday night, with elite disposal and 7 loose ball gets.
He was very stiff to miss round 1 after his finals performance and pre season form.
Has to be a lock going forward.

Pardon the intrusion, trying to assess Hawks line up for fantasy football reasons, did Ward only play the 2nd half of the PS match v the Dogs? Did someone else play just the first half & swap? And does this potentially, along with being left out of round 1, indicate Mitchell doesn’t have him locked in say the best 18, he’s that 19-25 listed player at the moment? Supports Philhawk in that case ?

He’s looked good v Essendon but you never know what the coaches want out of a player either

 

[Philhawk]

Pardon the intrusion, trying to assess Hawks line up for fantasy football reasons, did Ward only play the 2nd half of the PS match v the Dogs? Did someone else play just the first half & swap? And does this potentially, along with being left out of round 1, indicate Mitchell doesn’t have him locked in say the best 18, he’s that 19-25 listed player at the moment? Supports Philhawk in that case ?

He’s looked good v Essendon but you never know what the coaches want out of a player either

He’s slowly developing into a v good player, but it’ll take time.

Currently, he’s behind Newk, Worpel, Day, Nash and probably even Mackenzie in our pure midfield rotation.

When Worps went down, many correctly said the biggest winner would be Ward for the opportunities it would provide him.

Because he’s so young, he’s yet to add a second “string” to his bow. He’s definitely a better mid than Nash, but Nash has added so much versatility to his game - which took a lot of time to get to this point. I don’t see him as a mid that rests forward, I see him as a natural to play behind the ball - but we simply have too many fantastic options there. With Scrim out, maybe Sam gets a chance to try Wardy slightly more behind the ball?

He’s got an opportunity to stamp himself till Worpel gets back. Like with any team, if the high quality of his play gets his nose ahead of others then he’ll keep playing, but unfortunately I just think the strength of our other players will make it tough.

 

[H00t]

Pardon the intrusion, trying to assess Hawks line up for fantasy football reasons, did Ward only play the 2nd half of the PS match v the Dogs? Did someone else play just the first half & swap? And does this potentially, along with being left out of round 1, indicate Mitchell doesn’t have him locked in say the best 18, he’s that 19-25 listed player at the moment? Supports Philhawk in that case ?

He’s looked good v Essendon but you never know what the coaches want out of a player either

Yeah he only played the second half against the dogs.

With everyone fit he’s the next mid into the team. With Worpel injured he’s taken Mackenzie’s role while Mackenzie has taken on all of Worpel’s CBA’s. Where Ward has struggled a little is getting involved when not in the midfield.

He was much improved against Essendon though compared to previously. It’s up to him to keep performing so that when Worpel comes back he’s not the one making way.

 

[H00t]

By the time Worpel is available again some of you will be talking about whether Ward is the better option.
We're lucky to have them both.

Worpel’s currently a better mid than Ward. It’s not exactly close either.

What Ward can do is cement his place in the team. So that when Worpel comes back he’s not out of the team.

What will be interesting is if he’s entrusted with more midfield time this week given how little opportunity he got in the middle last week.

 

[KermitJagger]

Worpel’s currently a better mid than Ward. It’s not exactly close either.

What Ward can do is cement his place in the team. So that when Worpel comes back he’s not out of the team.

What will be interesting is if he’s entrusted with more midfield time this week given how little opportunity he got in the middle last week.

Ward has shown at times that he's as capable a mid as Worpel, the issue is that he isn't at the moment. He's currently in Angus Brayshaw territory. There's a player in there that he can't consistently be, because he's maybe a concussion or two away from it ending.

 

[H00t]

Ward has shown at times that he's as capable a mid as Worpel, the issue is that he isn't at the moment. He's currently in Angus Brayshaw territory. There's a player in there that he can't consistently be, because he's maybe a concussion or two away from it ending.

As a pure inside mid Worps average is pretty level with Ward’s best.

Ward is more level with him around the ground. In fairness to Ward he’s still young and will improve.

He just won’t improve enough in 3 weeks to be getting close to Worpel.

 

[kazzooka]

Worpel’s currently a better mid than Ward. It’s not exactly close either.

What Ward can do is cement his place in the team. So that when Worpel comes back he’s not out of the team.

What will be interesting is if he’s entrusted with more midfield time this week given how little opportunity he got in the middle last week.

Yep, he needs to use the next 2 games so that when Worpel comes back in, it's some other poor sap missing out. I think against Essendon he performed better than a few others, Maginness is the interesting one now getting a role as a forward along with Hardwick there too we are playing 6 small fowards and Chol.

 

[MisterBean]

Has this ever occurred? 2008 grand final? Hodgey was reportedly injured

In a break in play during the 08 Preliminary Final, a camera spotted Hodge spitting out blood before turning around and joining the main group.

 

[Malik90]

Another great game from Ward. 24 disposals - 7 tackles - 4 clearances - 1 goal

 

[Spanish Sahara]

Another great game from Ward. 24 disposals - 7 tackles - 4 clearances - 1 goal

Was very good tonight, built on from last week. Was great both inside and out of the contest

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Another great game from Ward. 24 disposals - 7 tackles - 4 clearances - 1 goal

Only 8 CBA too

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Strong game from Wardy. His ball use was precise and creative, class was prominent and work rate both sides of the ball very good. This is the standard and will only continue to rise.

 

[The Jet From Poowong]

Was very good tonight, built on from last week. Was great both inside and out of the contest

Building very nicely. Amazing what belief can do. It is growing for him and others in him

 

[Since 2001]

Sign this man to a 9 year contract

 

[VandoHawk]

Was incredibly damaging tonight. Provided plenty of run and used it well. 7 tackles too.

Firmly entrenched in the best 22.

 

[cryptor]

Won’t lose his spot when Worpel is back. Way too good to be playing VFL.

 

[H00t]

Going from strength to strength. It looks like it’s starting to really click for him.

 

[tommyk72]

Noticed that he was trying to make a lot of play. He ended up being the guy on the bottom of the pack in quite a few ball up scenarios in the first half. Really getting in there.

 

[HawthornHawk]

Felt like he was everywhere last night

 

[Wingnut19]

I reckon in 3 of his last 4 games people have been saying that’s his “best game” for club. Great signs

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

Has always had the talent. Always had the drive. Extremely fit, powerful runner. A perfectionist off-field. Incredibly smart, diligent and hardworking. What he didn't have was belief and direction (maybe a little strength/size as all young players).

He has the body to compete now. Tackles stick. He can break a tackle, or at least get a disposal away. He's always had the speed to run, the skill to hurt with disposal. The fitness to do it repeatedly, all day.

The last few games he's started to trust himself. Not just wait for a safe option, but taking the game on. We are only just scratching the surface here. His set shot goal he looked terrified - like he was about to vomit. He was lucky to even hit his foot.

Some (most?) young players are limited by their physical abilities - they struggle to adjust from dominating juniors to playing at a level where they don't have physical advantages - they literally cannot do what they were drafted for anymore. The ego is way ahead of the body. With Josh, I feel it's the opposite. Good news is, he's beginning to believe.