Hawthorn has rewarded the stellar debut season of endurance best Josh Weddle, with club and player reportedly agreeing to terms on a two-year extension.
Weddle will now call Waverley Park home until at least the end of the 2026 season, as per reports from AFL Media's Josh Gabelich, with the elite runner acting as the latest youngster to recommit to Sam Mitchell's rising unit.
The Hawks traded up to secure the Oakleigh Charger's services on the opening night of the 2022 AFL Draft, taking Weddle with the 18th Pick.
Quite literally hitting the ground running, Weddle claimed time trail honours during his opening summer at Waverley Park - a title the 19-year-old defended again this pre-season.
Weddle also made on-field impacts from his dual posts down back or on a wing, earning a debut in Round 7 and collecting a Rising Star nomination for his 28-disposal, two-goal outing against West Coast in Round 10.
Across the course of his 17 senior appearances in 2023, the Carey Baptist graduate averaged 17.3 disposals and a healthy 2.2 rebound 50s each week while also managing to slide forward to slot four goals on the year.
Weddle and the Hawks will do battle against the Western Bulldogs on two occasions across the course of the pre-season, taking on Luke Beveridge's boys both at the Whitten Oval (Friday, February 23) and at Launceston's University of Tasmania Stadium (Saturday, March 2)
Hawthorn's season proper will commence when it faces old foes Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, March 16.