A young star's loyalty could redefine the Hawthorn landscape, while the Kangaroos face an early season injury scare! The AFL world is buzzing with major contract news and concerning training setbacks. Let's dive into the latest from around the league.
Hawks' Rising Star Commits: A Major Red Letter Day!
In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the Hawthorn faithful, breakout star Josh Weddle has officially pledged his future to the club, signing a significant new deal. This is a massive win for the Hawks, especially with the season on the cusp of kicking off. Weddle, a dynamic 21-year-old, has inked a four-year extension, securing his services until 2030 and potentially reaching free agency then. This commitment comes at a crucial time, as he was due to come out of contract this year and had reportedly attracted substantial interest, including a lucrative seven-year offer reportedly worth around $10 million from Essendon.
But here's where it gets interesting: Despite the allure of a massive payday elsewhere, Weddle, who stands at a versatile 191 cm and has already played 60 AFL games, has chosen to remain a key part of Sam Mitchell's vision. Hawthorn's footy boss, Rob McCartney, expressed his delight, stating, "We are delighted that Josh has committed his future to Hawthorn, 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 highlighted Weddle's ability to produce game-changing moments and his remarkable versatility, having played on the wing, in the ruck, and even forward, demonstrating his willingness to adapt for the team's benefit. "Josh continues to be one of the hardest-working players at our club who pushes his peers and drives the standards required to be at Hawthorn," he added.
Teammate Jarman Impey echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that Weddle and other sought-after Hawks would choose to stay, even if it meant a financial compromise to keep their exciting core together. "There’s a reason why they didn’t leave two, three, four, five years ago when we weren’t playing finals or weren’t in the mix," Impey remarked. "We’re very confident we’ll keep these players."
And this is the part most people miss: Even before the official announcement, the excitement was palpable. Teammates Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan were overheard discussing Weddle's impending re-signing, with Ginnivan calling him "an absolute gun" and "an absolute weapon." Watson added, "All that talk went out about Essendon wanting to get him and stuff like that, but we know he’s a Hawthorn boy. He’s fast, powerful, can go through that mid now — can play anywhere, wing, half-back, wherever you want him, forward, he can kick goals. So he’s a special player and special talent. Hopefully he stays at the Hawks."
Weddle, who overcame a back injury last season to make a significant impact in the finals, is expected to play more time in the midfield in 2026, showcasing his evolving game.
Now, over to you: Do you think players should prioritize loyalty and team success over maximum financial gain? Share your thoughts below!
Kangaroos' Pre-Season Hit by Injury Woes
On a less positive note, the North Melbourne Kangaroos are facing some concerning injury news just as the 2026 season is about to commence. Emerging talents Colby McKercher and Taylor Goad have both been sidelined at training.
Colby McKercher underwent a minor procedure on a cracked finger on his left hand, sustained during a training session. While the club anticipates he'll be fit for Round 1 against Port Adelaide, it's an untimely setback for the third-year halfback who had been having a promising pre-season.
Meanwhile, Taylor Goad, a young ruckman, left training early with what is being assessed as a potential knee/leg injury. The club is currently evaluating the extent of his concern. Adding to the Roos' injury woes, George Wardlaw is also racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 due to a hamstring issue, and Jackson Archer suffered an ACL setback earlier in the pre-season.
AFLW Eyes Representative Football in 2026
In exciting news for the women's game, prominent AFLW stars are advocating for the inclusion of representative football in 2026. This comes as reports suggest the AFL is actively exploring options for a women's rep series, potentially including a traditional State of Origin clash or an Australia-Ireland series, given the significant number of Irish players in the AFLW.
Collingwood's Ash Centra and Western Bulldogs' Jasmyn Smith both expressed enthusiasm for marquee matches, believing there's a strong appetite for them, even during the off-season. Centra pointed to the 60,000-strong crowd at a recent State of Origin game as evidence of the potential. Smith, who would represent Queensland in a State of Origin, also suggested an Australia-Ireland clash could be a massive draw. She further argued that incorporating more games during the lengthy AFLW pre-season could be beneficial for players' fitness and development.
What are your thoughts on the AFLW potentially introducing representative matches? Would you be keen to see a State of Origin or an Australia-Ireland clash? Let us know!
