Welcome Welcome to Hawthorn: Josh Ward. Extends to 2029!

[Thrashor]

I love watching Wardy play, I think he brings a point of difference to our midfield - the burst of speed from inside to outside, followed by the dart into the leading forward. In many ways Day’s absence has been a blessing in disguise as it has given Wardy the opportunity to play a role he is suited for. Yes he has clangers in his decisions making occasionally but you can tell he is the kind of guy who will work hard to improve and sort those issues out.

 

[dmark]

I love watching Wardy play, I think he brings a point of difference to our midfield - the burst of speed from inside to outside, followed by the dart into the leading forward. In many ways Day’s absence has been a blessing in disguise as it has given Wardy the opportunity to play a role he is suited for. Yes he has clangers in his decisions making occasionally but you can tell he is the kind of guy who will work hard to improve and sort those issues out.

Yes, he has to work on his decision making, more games will fix that, hope he re signs long term.

 

[PorkPieHat]

A firing Ward and a firing, leading Lewis in the same team is an appetising prospect.

(please re-sign him soon HFC. I couldn’t stomach seeing this bloke cutting up the midfield in someone else’s colours).

 

[Slainte]

I have never understood the concern about Ward's football. I have described him as a quiet achiever and it is clear that, as he works on his game he keeps getting better, which is exactly what I expected. My main concern has always been that because he is such a brainy kid, he might decide that the risk of concussion is too great and leave the game.

 

[TylerDurden]

Commentators nailed it. His quick hands and IQ are in the elite category. We have a player here.

 

[matey]

Ward is a total pro could see it after his first training session at the club ……. after squeezing a lemon don’t bother asking for it to see if you can get another drop out of it!

 

[jenniferHAWKinS]

I have never understood the concern about Ward's football. I have described him as a quiet achiever and it is clear that, as he works on his game he keeps getting better, which is exactly what I expected. My main concern has always been that because he is such a brainy kid, he might decide that the risk of concussion is too great and leave the game.

Always thought the one biggest issue holding him back was fear of another concussion. Fingers crossed because he is developing nicely and is quick and skilful.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

I wonder how much the initial concussion issues affected his confidence?

His kicking on the run is a joy to watch. I hope we work out how to best use him as the receiving midfielder, similar to how the Doggies use Richards.

 

[Billyc]

Really happy with how he’s playing and hope he keeps improving. From a good family of many hawks fans

 

[JZedd]

This was the first time in quite a while he was given about 78% TOG. And ended with 28 possessions. Going beautiful.

 

[I wanna pash Nash]

I keep saying it but he's going to have a BOG game this year. Last night was getting closer. His skill execution kicking inside 50 is beautiful.

 

[matey]

Wardy stood out when the kitchen got hot a number of times

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

 

[humid hawk]

I'm watching the game again with a significantly lower heart rate and a half decent bottle of wine. One thing is becoming pretty clear - Ward has ELITE hands and reaction time.

In just the first term he dished off 3 perfect handballs in congestion that hit teammates square and enabled a clearing kick forwards.

That in itself is great - then you add his acceleration through the contest, precise kicking and huge tank. We've got a good one here folks!

 

[Leather Poisoning]

He's hitting that stage of experience where he knows he belongs.
Still a LOT of growth to come. Second guessing and getting his deision making right - but he is doing exactly what we want a young, highly rated mid to do while the midfield is carrying injuries.

 

[Dewyyyyy]

I'm watching the game again with a significantly lower heart rate and a half decent bottle of wine. One thing is becoming pretty clear - Ward has ELITE hands and reaction time.

In just the first term he dished off 3 perfect handballs in congestion that hit teammates square and enabled a clearing kick forwards.

That in itself is great - then you add his acceleration through the contest, precise kicking and huge tank. We've got a good one here folks!

That’s the thing. He was just way cleaner than everyone else. He has great hands, great footy iq and ontop of that he has the ability to burst and breakaway from opposition to deliver classy ball use. He’s going to be a serious player.

 

[OnTheRocks]

Is tracking well with decision making & general play. Tackling needs more vice like grip but hoping this comes with practice and becomes another string to the bow come finals time.

 

[Buzz Hawk]

In a midfield that was smashed at halftime (no Worps, Duke 5 possessions), he stood up.
Classy midfielder, reminds me of Geoff Raines. Silky.

 

[Brishawk]

He was very good in the second half. I love it when he gets the ball on the move. Needs to watch how lachie neale

9

Lachie Neale

Age

32

Ht

177cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

27.0

5star

K

11.5

4star

HB

15.5

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

3.7

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

28.3

5star

K

13.9

5star

HB

14.4

5star

M

4.6

4star

T

4.0

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

12.0

3star

K

4.6

2star

HB

7.4

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

1.0

3star

CL

0.4

3star

plays - that guy never stops moving and neither should ward.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

If Hawthorn were to redo its picks from 2021 using only the players it picked, you'd only need to swap Butler and Croc.

Wardy's regained the ascendency while Long's sent Serong to its first rookie pick.

 

[Tall poppy Syndrome]

In a midfield that was smashed at halftime (no Worps, Duke 5 possessions), he stood up.
Classy midfielder, reminds me of Geoff Raines. Silky.

Geoff Raines, that’s a big rap. Like it.

 

[tommyk72]

The players are now looking to him as an outlet. They know how damaging he is with the ball and want it in his hands.

 

[MrPremiership]

Feel like the biggest battle for Wardy is inside his own head. Looks as if he's got the weight of the world on his shoulders.

 

[JZedd]

Feel like the biggest battle for Wardy is inside his own head. Looks as if he's got the weight of the world on his shoulders.

It does feel like that.
He's still a youngster.. It's easy to forget this sometimes.
I'm really looking forward to Wardy and Frenchie establishing themselves as genuine stars. It would be a great midfield. Day, Newk Worpel (I hope). Ward, McKenzie, Nash and hopefully Butler too.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

Is there some tech wizard that could cobble together some of Ward's highlights over the last few weeks?

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Is there some tech wizard that could cobble together some of Ward's highlights over the last few weeks?