When Crows defender Josh Worrell crosses the white line on game day, it’s almost like he turns into a completely different person. 

Off the field he’s a loveable larrakin, whose easygoing nature and witty sense of humour has seen him become one of the most popular members of the Crows’ group. 

But when game day rolls around, Worrell’s will to win takes over and he transforms into a ruthless competitor that will do anything to help his team win. 

Speaking to AFC Media, Worrell explained where his edge comes from and how it helps him perform on the AFL stage.

“I think that part of my game all boils down to my competitive spirit, from when I was growing up to now, I’ve always had a bit of white line fever,” Worrell said. 

“My Dad played a lot of footy in his day and my Nan was a world championship hammer thrower, so I think that will to win is something that’s been passed down through my family. 

“That (mindset) gives me an edge over my opponents and that extra one or two per cent is so important in AFL footy, so I feel my will to win and competitive spirit has been so important in my development as a player.” 

This style of play has resulted in the 24-year-old elevating himself into one of the competition’s premier intercept defenders, with his courage and skill two defining parts of his blossoming game. 

Whether he is going back to mark with the flight of the ball or getting a crucial spoil in to stop the opposition in their tracks, Worrell said the energy he gets from a successful defensive act is infectious. 

“It pumps me up for sure, I said to Jack Hombsch (backline coach) I’d rather do those sorts of defensive things a thousand times than kick a goal,” Worrell said. 

“Putting my body on the line is a massive part of my game, and I really enjoy that aspect of footy and doing everything I can to help the team get an advantage. 

“Hopefully the rest of the boys get a bit of a pump up from those things as well, because they really get me going and into the contest.” 

Worrell’s breakout season is also a credit to the fruits of his labour behind closed doors.

Since joining the Crows at the end of 2019, he has worked tirelessly to become the ultimate professional, learning off more experienced teammates to get the most out of himself. 

“My ability to do the small things outside of just going out there and playing, has been a big factor behind my development,” Worrell said. 

“In my first few years I was dragged along by the more experienced guys like Jake Kelly, Ben Keays and Reilly O’Brien - so I’ve just tried my best to follow what they do. 

“Doing things like going into Next Gen (offsite gym) on my days off with the boys, I love putting in that extra work, and I think it’s helped me bond closer relationships with the group.

“Knowing I’ve done the work has gotten me in a great mindset to go out and perform with great confidence, and I think I’ve seen a bit of the reward for that work this year.” 

Last week, Worrell ticked off his 50th AFL game against Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval. 

The Victorian said that while the journey to 50 games was a long one, he was grateful for every moment and was loving his time in Adelaide. 

“It’s taken me a while to get here, with this being my sixth year in the system, but I’m glad I have got here and I’m really enjoying playing for the Club at the moment,” Worrell said. 

“I really love the city as well, I love the calmness of it and the lifestyle that comes with that. 

“And then I’ve got the Adelaide Footy Club as well which I just love, I get along great with all the boys and it’s an honour to have chalked up 50 games.” 

Adelaide faces West Coast this Sunday afternoon at Optus Stadium, with the first bounce at 4.40pm (ACST).