Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel is reportedly all but certain to join Geelong at season's end.
Worpel comes out of contract in 2025, and with a midfield squeeze at the Hawks, could look for a more permanent role at the Cats.
Sam Mitchell boasts one of the deepest on-ball lists in the competition, with a heap of youth emerging as the next crop of stars.
Fronted by Jai Newcombe and Will Day, Mitchell has players in Cam Mackenzie, Josh Ward, Finn Maginness, Henry Hustwaite, Conor Nash at his disposal, as well as forwards who could run through the middle.
Geelong, who bolstered their midfield crop with Bailey Smith, are still searching for a contested beast, reflected by their heavy interest in Melbourne's Clayton Oliver, and Worpel fits the bill.
"The massacre in the centre square at the MCG on Sunday was quite overwhelming. I know that Geelong has been going after guys in that area to try and build it, and Bailey Smith and Max Holmes are very good players, but they were torched by Carlton," The Age reporter Sam McClure told the Tradies podcast.
"It speaks to why they went so hard at Clayton Oliver at the end of last year, and they'll probably have another sniff around, but I think a cheaper version of Oliver would be (Worpel).
"This feels like the Bailey Smith situation last year. I think that deal is done.
"I think that James Worpel has all but agreed to life at Geelong."
At Hawthorn, Worpel is surplus to needs despite playing a pivotal role in the absence of Day.
The 2019 Peter Crimmins medallist was drafted from the Geelong Falcons in 2017, and has played 131 games in the brown and gold.
The 26-year-old grew up in Bannockburn, a town near Geelong, which could also play a part in his decision-making.
Worpel is averaging 20 disposals, two marks, six tackles and six clearances from his four starts in 2025.
Hawthorn will gather to celebrate the club's rich history ahead of the centenary match against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday.
