Josh Weddle has reportedly signed a four-year contract extension with Hawthorn, and his teammates Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan are certainly excited to hear it.
It comes after Essendon reportedly offered him a seven-year $10m contract over summer, in the wake of the Hawks’ attempts to poach Zach Merrett.
The extension was reported on Monday night, though the club is yet to confirm the news.
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Nick Watson correcting Jack Ginnivan on Josh Weddle’s contract situation. Â Nine
And that little caveat led to a funny moment between the Hawthorn forwards when they were asked about Weddle reportedly re-signing at a press conference on Tuesday morning.
Ginnivan began to answer with his excitement surrounding the news, saying: “yeah, well he’s an absolute gun, so” … before Watson cut him off to toe the club line, given the announcement is yet to be officially released.
“Not sure he’s put pen to paper yet, so,” Watson laughed.
Ginnivan smiled and continued: “Hopefully he re-signs, if he hasn’t already, but if he does, we saw yesterday how good he is and he’s an absolute weapon and he’ll be great to have.”
Given the enormous offer Essendon had in front of the 21-year-old, Watson is ecstatic Weddle has decided to stay.
“Obviously we see (how good he is) every day at training, but he brings the energy, brings the love within the group,” he said.
Josh Weddle of the Hawks celebrates kicking a goal. Getty
“All that talk going around about Essendon and them wanting to get him and stuff like that, but he’s a Hawthorn boy.
“He’s obviously fast, powerful, he can go through the midfield now. He can play anywhere. Wing, half back, forward, kick goals, wherever.
“He’s a special player and talent and hopefully he stays with the Hawks.”
Weddle and the Hawks played their first scratch match of the year on Monday, defeating Geelong 111-94 at the club’s training base in Dingley.
Reports out of the game suggest the star utility spent more time in the midfield and might feature there regularly in 2026.
Hawthorn will need the midfield depth, given Will Day has been sidelined with a serious shoulder injury, and the club failed to successfully complete a trade for Merrett in the off-season.