Six years ago, Josh Worrell finished the under-18 national championships as Vic Metro’s leading goalkicker, with hauls of four and three.
It’s a stat that can be hard to believe considering Worrell has now cemented himself as a key pillar in the Crows’ backline.
Across five games so far this season, Worrell has averaged 7.4 pressure acts, 3.4 spoils, 5,2 marks, 3.4 one-percenters and 18.6 disposals.
In the Gather Round clash against Geelong, Worrell finished the game with a season-high nine pressure acts, seven spoils, five contested defensive one-on-ones.
He also gathered 15 disposals.
So when the 24-year-old is asked if he misses lining up in the forward line, his answer is simple.
“Nah, I can’t say I do miss it,” Worrell said.
“I’m happy staying down back, helping Nick Murray and Mark Keane out as that third tall has been a massive part of me being in the backline.
“Then my ability to play on talls and smalls comes in handy as well.
“I am feeling really good and I am really enjoying my time here.”
Since making his AFL debut in 2021, Worrel has earned a reputation for playing with relentless passion, never shying away from a contest.
By his own admission, playing with that fire helps him be at his best… but it’s his love for his teammates and Club that fuels it.
“I’ve got a bit of white-line fever, whether that’s with football or any other sport, I think I might take it a bit too far at times,” Worrell said.
“We have a great crew around us and I think that’s what holds me in good stead, wanting to play good footy for my teammates.
“I think it’s good to stick up for your mates and I’m probably in the right industry for having the white-line fever - it’s just been around my whole career.”
Worrell’s rise up the ranks at the Crows hasn’t always been easy, though, after being taught harsh lessons early in his career about professionalism and what it takes to become an elite athlete.
But he says it has helped shape him into the person and footballer he has become.
“I am proud of my journey, I probably had to do my apprenticeship a bit longer and develop, and I’m really grateful for Adelaide for giving me that time,” Worrell said,
“Just being able to come in and cement my spot at AFL level, it has been a journey-and-a-half, so I’ve been pretty proud of that.
“They were almost the best things for me because I probably needed to grow up a bit more and those things streamlined it.
“Having a great support network, with some of the other boys like Ben Keays and Reilly O’Brien, they have been massive for me.”
The Crows face the Giants at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 3.45pm.
Tickets available here.
