Josh Weddle

Josh Weddle
Weddle in May 2026
Personal information
Full name Joshua Weddle
Born (2004-05-25) 25 May 2004 (age 22)
Original team Oakleigh Chargers (Talent League)
Draft No. 18, 2022 national draft, Hawthorn
Debut Round 7, 2023, Hawthorn vs. Western Bulldogs, at Docklands Stadium
Height 191 cm (6 ft 3 in)
Weight 92 kg (203 lb)
Position Utility
Club information
Current club Hawthorn
Number 23
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2023– Hawthorn 82 (30)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2026.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Joshua Weddle (born 25 May 2004) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Hawthorn Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Early career

Weddle grew up in Templestowe and learned his football craft at Templestowe Dockers in the Yarra Junior Football League, before transferring to St Marys Greensborough Junior Football Club and then being selected for the Oakleigh Chargers. He transferred to Carey Baptist Grammar School for year 12 (after previously attending Eltham High School), playing for both Carey and Oakleigh during his draft year in 2022. He played all four National Championship games for Vic Metro, where it saw him named in the All Australian side at full back.

Growing up, he played representative basketball for the Eltham Wildcats.

AFL career

He was the eighteenth selection in the 2022 AFL draft by Hawthorn. He has been described as a player with strong aerial ability and sound defensive craft.[by whom?]

After some strong performances for Hawthorn's affiliated reserves club Box Hill Hawks, Weddle made his debut against Western Bulldogs at Docklands Stadium in round 7, 2023.

After his fourth game, Weddle was awarded a Rising Star nomination for his effort in the game against West Coast in Tasmania. After his debut season, Weddle inherited the famous number 23 guernsey of Hawthorn, previously worn by club legends such as Lance Franklin and Dermott Brereton. He received consecutive selections in the honorary 22 Under 22 team in 2024 and 2025.

Following the 2025 AFL season, rumours circulated that Essendon had offered a seven-year contract worth $10 million to Weddle. The discussion of a move to a rival club was put to rest in February of 2026 when he signed a four-year contract to stay with the Hawks. During the 2026 season, Weddle was given a three-match ban after engaging in rough conduct with Gold Coast's Daniel Rioli.

Statistics

Updated to the end of 2026.

Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks
H/O
 Hit-outs
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game) Votes
G B K H D M T H/O G B K H D M T H/O
2023Hawthorn37 1740135159294872300.20.07.99.417.35.11.40.01
2024Hawthorn23 251081991553549944240.40.38.06.214.24.01.81.03
2025Hawthorn23 18991631272908936400.50.59.17.116.14.92.02.24
2026Hawthorn23 217151881483361065680.30.78.66.715.34.82.60.40
Career 8230326855891274381159720.40.48.47.215.54.71.90.98

Honours and achievements

Team

Individual

References

  1. ↑ Shaw, Rob (23 May 2023). "Hawks teenager Josh Weddle named AFL round 10 Rising Star". The Examiner. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  2. ↑ "#28 Josh Weddle". R Central. 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  3. ↑ "Eltham Wildcats are heading to the NBA Jr World Championships". elthamwildcats.com.au. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "Hawks land another top 20 pick with Weddle". Hawthorn Football Club. 28 November 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  5. 1 2 "Weddle receives Rising Star nod". Hawthorn Football Club. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  6. ↑ "High-flying Hawk secures Rising Star nom". Australian Football League. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  7. ↑ Pierik, Jon (3 September 2024). "'This kid is unbelievable': Josh Weddle has the Hawks dreaming big". The Age. Retrieved 8 July 2026.
  8. ↑ Negrepontis, Nic (17 February 2026). "Teammate's awkward slip-up after star Hawk rejects $10m offer". Nine Network. Retrieved 8 July 2026.
  9. ↑ Slevison, Andrew (18 February 2026). ""Thanks... I guess": Weddle never swayed by Bombers' offer". 1116 SEN. Retrieved 8 July 2026.
  10. ↑ Wisely, Sophie (20 June 2026). "Hawks star slapped with hefty ban after Rioli blow confirmed". Nine Network. Retrieved 8 July 2026.
  11. ↑ Guelas, Joanna (20 June 2026). "AFL hands down verdict on Hawks defender Josh Weddle's jaw-breaking bump on Daniel Rioli". Seven Network. Retrieved 8 July 2026.
  12. ↑ "Josh Weddle". AFL Tables. Retrieved 25 August 2026.