Hawthorn's Josh Weddle Faces Season-Limiting Back Injury

In a significant development for the Hawthorn Football Club, young star Josh Weddle may be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 AFL season due to a serious back injury. The 21-year-old defender, who has been a consistent performer since his debut in 2023, experienced discomfort following a commanding 85-point victory over North Melbourne on June 28, 2025. Subsequent medical examinations revealed bone stress in his back, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season.

Dr. Liam West, the club's physician, provided insights into Weddle's condition. "We will need to take some time to de-load Josh during this initial phase before we can identify just how long he will be sidelined for," Dr. West stated on Tuesday. He expressed cautious optimism, noting that the early detection of the injury could facilitate a return before the season concludes. "While this is obviously disappointing for Josh, our priority right now is taking a careful and cautious approach to ensure Josh makes a safe return but as quickly as possible."

Weddle's potential absence comes at a critical juncture for the Hawks, who are vying for a playoff position with only eight games remaining in the home-and-away season. Since being selected at pick No. 18 in the 2022 AFL Draft, Weddle has played 57 consecutive games, establishing himself as a key player in the team's lineup. His injury adds to the growing list of health concerns facing Hawthorn, particularly among its younger athletes.

In recent months, the club has seen multiple young players, including Will McCabe and Calsher Dear, contend with stress fractures. This trend raises questions about the team's training regimen and injury management protocols, as the club navigates the challenges of player health in a physically demanding sport.

Further complicating matters, Weddle's teammate, Will Day, is also recovering from a navicular bone injury but is expected to return soon. Additionally, Hawthorn's captain, James Sicily, remains sidelined due to a hip injury, creating a gap in the team's defensive structure. These injuries place heightened pressure on the remaining squad members, who must adapt quickly to maintain competitive performance.

Hawthorn's management has not yet ruled Weddle out for the entire season, maintaining a glimmer of hope that he could return if his recovery progresses favorably. However, with the playoffs looming, the urgency for a quick resolution to his condition is palpable.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for the club to balance the immediate needs of the team with the long-term health of its athletes. The Hawks' strategy in managing Weddle's recovery will likely serve as a litmus test for their overall approach to player health, especially in light of the increasing scrutiny surrounding injury management in professional sports.

In conclusion, the potential loss of Josh Weddle for the season underscores the fragility of player health and the challenges faced by teams as they strive for success in the competitive landscape of the AFL. The coming weeks will be critical for the Hawks as they seek to solidify their playoff position while navigating the complexities of injury management within their ranks.