Having been at the club for the best part of two months now, our 2017 draftees are starting to adjust to life as an AFL footballer.

Hawthornfc.com.au caught up with each of our first years to see how they're travelling and to ask all the hard questions.

Here's Jackson Ross' take.

Catch up: Q+A with James Worpel


FOOTY
 

How have you found pre-season so far?

It’s obviously been a bit different to what we’ve done in the past. We get eased into it all which is pretty handy, but it has been pretty solid!

Where are you looking to play this year?

Anywhere in the forward line, which is where I played in the TAC Cup last year.

 
Strengths as a player?

Probably my understanding of the game and my foot skills are my two areas of strength at the moment, I’d say.

 
Areas that you are looking to improve this pre-season?

I think my physicality, which I hope will come with more time in the gym. Also, tackling and those other areas on the contested side of the game.

 
Goals for the year?

I haven’t written anything down as yet. But I guess I will be just trying to fit in as well as possible with the boys and then try to play some good footy at VFL level. Also, keep trying to learn the different systems at the Hawks and gain an understanding of that.


Someone at training you've tried to follow around?

Probably Jack Gunston. I lived with him for the first week. He plays that lead-up, linking forward role. So, I just tried to take some small pointers from him.

 
Best advice/instruction you've had since arriving at the club?

There’s a lot of things that you learn in the first few weeks. So, I guess, it’s just about taking everything in as quickly as possible.

 
How have you found Alastair Clarkson so far?

He’s a lot different to what I thought he would be. He is a lot more outgoing and easy to get along with, I thought he would be much more serious.

 

OUTSIDE OF FOOTY


Living circumstances: Are you still living at home/ who are you living with- how are you finding Melbourne?

I’m still living at home because I just lived 15 minutes down the road, so it’s easy!

 
Any nicknames Hawks fans should be aware of?

Nah, nothing exciting. Just ‘Rossy’, really.

 
Do you have a celebrity crush?

Probably Jennifer Aniston, if I had to say one.

 
What are your hobbies outside of footy?

Just mainly catching up with mates and hanging around them.

 
What is your biggest fear?

Probably sharks.

 
What would you be doing if you didn’t get drafted?

I think I’d be sitting at home a fair bit and then doing a bit of uni, marketing at RMIT.

 
If you were a superhero, what would your name and superpower be?

My name would be ‘Rosco’ and my superpower would be flying.