Josh Ward

Josh Ward (born 15 August 2003) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Hawthorn Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was recruited with the 7th draft pick in the 2021 AFL draft.^[1][2]

Josh Ward
Ward in 2024
Personal information
Date of birth	(2003-08-15) 15 August 2003 (age 21)
Place of birth	Victoria, Australia
Original team(s)	Northern Knights (NAB League)/Melbourne Grammar (APS)/Fitzroy (YJFL)
Draft	No. 7, 2021 AFL draft, Hawthorn
Debut	20 March 2022, Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne, at MCG
Height	183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	80 kg (176 lb)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Hawthorn
Number	25
Playing career1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
2022–	Hawthorn	60 (8)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of round 20, 2025.
Career highlights
AFL Rising Star nominee: 2022
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Early life

Ward began his Australian rules football career at the Fitzroy Junior Football Club in the Yarra Junior Football League, back in 2012.^[3] Ward then was selected to play for the Northern Knights in the 2021 NAB League Boys season.^[4] Ward played well during his time with the Knights, averaging 30.2 disposals^[5] and being named the captain in the NAB League Boys Team of the Year.^[6][7] Ward was also selected as a representative for the Vic Metro squad to play in a match against Vic Country, where he was selected captain of the team and was one of the best on ground, collecting 29 disposals, two goals and eight clearances.^[8][9] Ward also attended Melbourne Grammar School with future teammate Ned Long.^[10][9] Ward scored well in the draft combine, running a time of 5:57 in the 2km time trial, the second best time in the country.^[11] The majority of the media predicted Ward to get selected by Hawthorn in the draft,^[12][13][14] and this ended up eventuating, with Ward being selected with the Hawks first pick, and 7th overall, in the 2021 AFL draft.^[1][2]

AFL career

Ward impressed early in his first pre-season with the Hawks, being named likely by the media to debut in round one.^[15] Coach Sam Mitchell expressed that Ward had been training at a 'high standard'.^[16] Ward debuted for the Hawks in their game against North Melbourne opening round of the 2022 AFL season,^[17] collecting 13 disposals and three marks.^[18] Despite an ankle injury concern after the game, Ward was available to play the next round.^[19][20] Ward received a Rising Star nomination for his performance against West Coast during round 18.^[21]

Statistics

Updated to the end of round 20, 2025.^[22]

Legend

G	Goals	K	Kicks	D	Disposals	T	Tackles
B	Behinds	H	Handballs	M	Marks

Season	Team	No.	Games	Totals							Averages (per game)
				G	B	K	H	D	M	T	G	B	K	H	D	M	T
2022	Hawthorn	25	14	2	2	158	109	267	53	41	0.1	0.1	11.3	7.8	19.1	3.8	2.9
2023	Hawthorn	25	16	2	3	181	151	332	76	31	0.1	0.2	11.3	9.4	20.8	4.8	1.9
2024	Hawthorn	25	12	1	3	96	83	179	49	28	0.1	0.3	8.0	6.9	14.9	4.1	2.3
2025	Hawthorn	25	18	3	4	195	187	382	61	66	0.2	0.2	10.8	10.4	21.2	3.4	3.7
Career			60	8	12	630	530	1160	239	166	0.1	0.2	10.5	8.8	19.3	4.0	2.8

Honours and achievements

Team

• McClelland Trophy (Hawthorn): 2024

Individual

• AFL Rising Star nominee: 2022

Personal life

Ward is the great grandson of former Hawthorn player Alex Lee.^[23][24]

During school he also excelled academically as well as in sport achieving an ATAR above 99. He is currently studying at Monash University with best friend and father figure, Henry Nicholls.^[25]