Welcome Welcome to Hawthorn: Josh Ward. Extends to 2025!

[Kuuz]

I mean, based on AFL ratings, Josh Ward is the second highest rated Hawk this season - just behind Will Day & ahead of Meeky. Pretty crazy stuff.

Re-watching last week's game - Wardy isn't necessarily flashy, but he's just such a dependable outlet on the wing & just never misses a target. He always hit up a target beautifully and can hit the lower, flat passes too if needed.

He's developing beautifully and would surely be putting a lot of pressure on Harry Mo keeping his spot, when Croc and Worps come back in.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

I just like seeing everyone else jump on the train that Dewyyyyy and I have been driving the last couple of years!

I think you'll find that I was the OG fanboii and advocate in our draft thread leading up to the draft itself.

Dewyyyyy's unrelenting enthusiasm has allowed him to assume the mantle though. It's a young man's game after all.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

I mean, based on AFL ratings, Josh Ward is the second highest rated Hawk this season - just behind Will Day & ahead of Meeky. Pretty crazy stuff.

Re-watching last week's game - Wardy isn't necessarily flashy, but he's just such a dependable outlet on the wing & just never misses a target. He always hit up a target beautifully and can hit the lower, flat passes too if needed.

He's developing beautifully and would surely be putting a lot of pressure on Harry Mo keeping his spot, when Croc and Worps come back in.

His 35m low trajectory kicks really stood out in the conditions on the weekend. He hits them without breaking stride too.

 

[MC_9]

I mean, based on AFL ratings, Josh Ward is the second highest rated Hawk this season - just behind Will Day & ahead of Meeky. Pretty crazy stuff.

Re-watching last week's game - Wardy isn't necessarily flashy, but he's just such a dependable outlet on the wing & just never misses a target. He always hit up a target beautifully and can hit the lower, flat passes too if needed.

He's developing beautifully and would surely be putting a lot of pressure on Harry Mo keeping his spot, when Croc and Worps come back in.

He has overtaken Harry now.

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[CHUBBSS]

He is in such elite condition, looks to be really building some power in his frame now.

In the midst of a break out year

 

[H00t]

He has overtaken Harry now.

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Harry does a lot of defensive running for us to limit the oppositions ball movement.

He’s made huge improvements from earlier in his career were he’d get burnt the other way.

Ward offers more offensively I’m just not sure he’s currently up to matching the defensive side of Harry.

 

[Dewyyyyy]

I think you'll find that I was the OG fanboii and advocate in our draft thread leading up to the draft itself.

Dewyyyyy's unrelenting enthusiasm has allowed him to assume the mantle though. It's a young man's game after all.

I did like his game during his draft year just don’t usually post in those threads all too much. His draft year showcases the raw talent that can be expected and refined once his confidence and opportunity is consistent and high.

But it’s a young man’s world now

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Harry does a lot of defensive running for us to limit the oppositions ball movement.

He’s made huge improvements from earlier in his career were he’d get burnt the other way.

Ward offers more offensively I’m just not sure he’s currently up to matching the defensive side of Harry.

Ward is one of the best defensive worker in the team, watch him closely at games and you’ll see his elite running to help out the defense by winning the ball, providing a contest or providing an outlet.

 

[mustang]

ummm Ward is in the top 3 runners at the club he is already elite

Yeah I agree but his not in Crawford or Bateman's league of elite running.

 

[Crankyhawk]

He has overtaken Harry now.

On Pixel 6 using BigFooty.com mobile app

Fair and that is no slight on Harry, just josh has improved that much

 

[TheFourPillars]

Yeah I agree but his not in Crawford or Bateman's league of elite running.

Players have gotten fitter and stronger over the years. Ward surpasses those two

 

[HawthornHawk]

Wardy is playing his role well and looks like he is enjoying his football which is terrific, still think his ceiling is much higher though

 

[CHUBBSS]

Wardy is playing his role well and looks like he is enjoying his football which is terrific, still think his ceiling is much higher though

Peak crawf?

 

[TheFourPillars]

Peak crawf?

We were talking about fitness not how good Shane was. He is a champion of our football club

 

[CHUBBSS]

We were talking about fitness not how good Shane was. He is a champion of our football club

Crawf had a breakout year in year 4 and followed by an injury and then he just never looked back.

Ward is 21 and right on track for the same. I can see the stream down the wings and through the middle that crawf use to do.

No point in just being fit if you don’t get the ball.

 

[toomanysquibs]

Crawf had a breakout year in year 4 and followed by an injury and then he just never looked back.

Ward is 21 and right on track for the same. I can see the stream down the wings and through the middle that crawf use to do.

No point in just being fit if you don’t get the ball.

This makes for an interesting debate about what the current game demands from players fitness bases/running power. The new endurance normal is probably close to above the previous exceptional on that front.

But I don't think anyone is comparing Ward the footballer to Crawford the footballer.

Shane is an all time great of our club.

Wardy is still finding his way, but showing some very promising signs.