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Hawk James Worpel will join the Cats as a free agent

James Worpel in action during the R12 match between Hawthorn and Collingwood at the MCG on May 30, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

PAPERWORK has been lodged for Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel to join Geelong as a free agent.

As a restricted free agent, the Hawks will have up to three days to match a bid or let him head to the Cats on a four-year deal, reported AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey on Friday morning.

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The window to match the bid will close at 11.00am, Monday October 6th.

AFL.com.au’s Riley Beveridge reported on Thursday that Worpel had told the Hawks he would be making the move to the Cats.

Worpel has long been expected to join Geelong after eight seasons and 148 games for the Hawks.

The 26-year-old played 21 games for the Hawks this year, averaging 20.1 disposals, five tackles and 4.8 clearances.

Paperwork lodged.

Geelong have made an offer to restricted free agent James Worpel, Hawthorn. Hawthorn now have 72 hours to decide whether to match the offer. The 72-hour period ends 11:00am, Monday 6th October.

— AFL House (@AFL_House) October 3, 2025

Hawthorn has been chasing a midfielder this off-season and is pursuing Essendon captain Zach Merrett.

Worpel adds depth to the Cats’ engine room, joining the likes of Tom Atkins, Bailey Smith and Max Holmes in the middle.

He arrived at the Hawks as pick No.45 in the 2017 draft and won the Peter Crimmins Medal in 2019.