Adelaide defender Josh Worrell’s footy journey didn’t begin in the backline.
Worrell revealed on the latest episode of The Crows Radio Show that he spent most of his junior footy kicking goals as a forward.
The now 21-year-old was Vic Country’s leading goal kicker at the under-18 national championships, before being drafted to the Crows.
Worrell said he enjoyed his junior footy days but preferred being part of the back six.
“I started at a little club called Bentley Demons in Melbourne and progressed my way through there,” Worrell said.
“I then played with the Sandringham Dragons (and) school footy at Haileybury (school).
“I was lucky enough to play with some pretty good players at Haileybury - Andy Brayshaw, Max and Ben King - it was a busy year… but it was a lot of fun.
“We went to the finals with Sandringham and managed to win it with Haileybury.
“I was lucky enough to be thrown forward and I got a few goals.
“I prefer defence, though.”
Worrell made his AFL debut with the Crows against St Kilda in Cairns last season, before going back to the SANFL to work on his craft.
The defender received a call up to the AFL side in this year’s Round 20 clash with Carlton and has played every game since.
“Last year, I came in and played one game and I think it was a bit of a wakeup call with how far off I was in terms of my fitness and my body,” Worrell said.
“I went back over the off-season and pre-season and worked on that.
“Then I had to wait for my time this year, but I think it’s been good.”
Tune in to Triple M Adelaide this Sunday at 9am for the final instalment of Sauce and Thomo show for 2022.