Hawthorn star signs four-year extension after Essendon bid

Emerging Hawthorn star Josh Weddle has signed a four-year extension that will earn him close to $900,000 a season next year.

The club has confirmed the 21-year-old’s decision, which had come after Essendon made a bold bid for the powerful Hawk when the Bombers reportedly made a seven-year offer that would have earned him about $10 million to entice him from Hawthorn.

Weddle, who will be a free agent when he next comes out of contract, has made a huge impact since he made his debut in 2023 playing 60 matches in various positions.

Although he plays mainly in defence, his performance in the final quarter of last year’s elimination final when he was switched into attack against GWS turned the game Hawthorn’s way.

Hawthorn football boss Rob McCartney said Weddle was a key part of their plans.

“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 said in a club statement.

“In the early years of his career, Josh has shown a capacity to produce some special moments that can change a game or lift his teammates back into the contest.

“While his explosive running power has been well documented, the evolution of Josh’s game as 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.”