Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel has become the youngest player since football legend Leigh Matthews in 1971 to win Hawthorn’s best and fairest, saluting in just his second season with the club.

The 20-year-old had an outstanding season wearing the No.5 jumper, made famous by the revered Peter Crimmins whose name adorns the medal struck in his honour.

He has played just 33 games after impressing in his first 11 in 2018 where he earned the nickname 'The Worpedo' and became a fan favourite. He formed a great relationship with assistant coach and champion midfelder Sam Mitchell, who once wore the No.5, with Worpel saying his guidance had helped his performance.

Worpel won the award from veteran Ricky Henderson, who played career best football on the wing to be placed in a club best and fairest for the first time, while star midfielder Jaeger O'Meara finished third having finished top three in the 2013 Gold Coast best and fairest.