Weddle Commits to Hawthorn: A Bold Statement Amidst Bombers’ Pursuit
The allure of a rumoured $10 million, seven-year deal from arch-rivals Essendon was not enough to lure rising star Josh Weddle away from Hawthorn. In a significant move for the Hawks, the dynamic 21-year-old has inked a contract extension that will see him remain in the brown and gold until at least 2030, quashing weeks of speculation and signalling his strong belief in Hawthorn’s burgeoning resurgence.
The decision was made clear on Wednesday, as Weddle fronted a media conference at the club, a red-and-black guernsey – a relic from Hawthorn’s 1905 museum display – hanging as a symbolic backdrop. The sight of the early guernsey, predating the club’s entry into the VFL by two decades, elicited a grin from the young gun, a subtle nod to his commitment to the Hawks’ legacy.
“Ultimately, it came down to where I wanted to play my footy, and I feel like I play my best footy at Hawthorn,” Weddle stated. “I’m very happy that it went down the way it did. I didn’t really look into moving. Where the club is heading, I’m really looking forward to it.”
This firm commitment from Weddle comes after a period of intense negotiation and external interest. The Essendon bid, reportedly a massive seven-year offer worth around $10 million, represented a significant financial temptation. However, Weddle’s loyalty to the Hawks, who are showing promising signs of a return to finals contention after a couple of challenging seasons, proved paramount. With his new deal taking him through to free agency, both the club and the player will undoubtedly be setting their sights on premiership success by 2030.
The rejection of the Bombers’ advances also carries a layer of intrigue, given the recent history between the two clubs. Last year’s trade period saw Essendon refuse to budge on their stance regarding Hawthorn captain Zach Merrett, a move that may have further solidified Weddle’s resolve to remain with a club that values its core talent.
The news of Weddle’s re-signing was almost a foregone conclusion for some, with teammate Jack Ginnivan even prematurely announcing it as a done deal on Tuesday morning, prior to Weddle officially signing.
“Clearly they (Ginnivan and Nick Watson) were already pre-empting it, but there were a few leaks,” Weddle quipped, referring to the slightly awkward moment at an AFL press conference. When pressed about interest from other clubs, Weddle offered a coy “good question,” deferring to his manager for specifics.
Expanding Role and Midfield Ambitions
Weddle’s importance to Hawthorn’s future is undeniable, and his role within the team is expected to evolve further. During a recent pre-season hit-out against Geelong, he spent considerable time in the midfield. This strategic deployment, coupled with the potential impact of Will Day’s shoulder injury, suggests that Weddle could see increased time in the centre square at the commencement of the season. This would add another potent dimension to the speedy utility’s already impressive skillset.
“I definitely think that’s in my kitbag,” Weddle commented on his midfield capabilities. “Obviously, I have to keep learning and growing in that area, keep learning from the likes of (Will) Day and (Jai) Newcombe. Obviously, we get a little bit of stick about how our weakest area of the ground is the midfield. But we’re going to prove people wrong this year that we’re very strong in there. Hopefully, I can add to that.”
Navigating Negotiations and Teammate Banter
The negotiation process for Weddle’s new contract was not without its challenges, extending beyond the club’s football department. He revealed that he consulted with the club psychologist during the discussions. Furthermore, the timing of the Essendon offer, which broke while the team was on a post-season holiday, led to some light-hearted ribbing from his teammates.
“It was a bit awkward at first because no-one wanted to break the ice and mention it,” he recalled. “But once they did, they were just saying ‘your shout for dinner, your shout for breakfast’ – I copped it for a little bit, all fun and games.”
A Foundation for Future Success
Josh Weddle, who has played 60 games since his debut in 2023, has quickly established himself as a vital asset for the Hawks. Hawthorn’s Football Boss, Rob McCartney, lauded Weddle’s work ethic and potential.
“He is an important part of what we are aspiring to achieve, and we are extremely confident that his best is yet to come,” McCartney stated in a club release. “While his explosive running power has been well documented, the evolution of Josh’s game from a defender to playing on the wing, in the ruck, and even up forward, highlights his versatility and selflessness to play any role required to make us better.”
Weddle’s decision to recommit to Hawthorn is a clear indication of his belief in the club’s direction and his desire to be a part of their future success. With a strong core of emerging talent and a renewed sense of purpose, the Hawks appear to be building a formidable outfit, and Josh Weddle is firmly at the heart of their ambitious plans.
