Kuwarna defender Josh Worrell has found reason to smile after a challenging few days by re-committing to the Club to the end of 2027.

Worrell has been rewarded for an outstanding start to the season with a two-year contract extension which comes just 48 hours after surgery on a fractured forearm which will see him miss 8-12 weeks,

The 23-year-old was already signed to the end of 2025 but has inked a new deal as he looks to build on a promising start to his career.

The versatile left-footer joined the Club with Pick No.28 in the 2019 National Draft, debuted in 2021 and has now played 26 games including all nine this season.

But he suffered a nasty injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s clash with Brisbane when he was caught in a tackle and broke both bones in his left forearm.

“I’m obviously disappointed to be missing the next few months but it’s not the end of the world and I’ll be back before we know it,” Worrell said.

“I’m loving my footy here and the young backline we have at the Club.

“I’d love to taste the ultimate success with this group in the future so I’m looking forward to continuing the work we’ve started.”

GM List Management and Strategy Justin Reid said Worrell had become an important part of an emerging young backline at West Lakes.

“The injury has come at such an unfortunate time because Josh was in great form and has looked more confident at AFL level with every game,” Reid said.

“But these things happen in footy unfortunately and Josh will begin his rehab next week.

“He had to bide his time after coming into the system and worked really hard to put himself in a position that when his opportunity at AFL level came, he was ready for it.

“He is super competitive which is obviously very important for a defender, is good overhead and has a damaging left-foot kick which compliments our defensive group nicely.

“And only 26 games into his career there is a lot of improvement still to come so we are excited for what the future holds.”