Hawthorn and star Josh Weddle are reportedly putting the finishing touches on a bumper contract extension.
Meanwhile, the severity of an Adelaide recruit’s Origin injury has been revealed.
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Lively Hawks hybrid Weddle is expected to put pen to paper on a new four-year deal to remain at Hawthorn through 2030, per Seven’s Mitch Cleary.
Weddle was set to come out of contract at the end of this season, having drawn considerable interest from rivals Essendon, which reportedly put forward an eye-watering offer of $10 million across seven years.
But he’s set to remain loyal in the brown and gold, with AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reporting Weddle’s new deal – which is set to be done within the week – will “put him around the $1 million (per year) mark” before hitting free agency in four years’ time.
A hot commodity approaching 22 years of age, Weddle is fast developing into one of the league’s brightest utility talents.
The 60-gamer, who was drafted to Hawthorn in 2022 with the No.18 pick, is capable of playing almost anywhere on the field but has been most profitable as a dashing rebounder.
Weddle is one of the Hawks names in the mix to take on more midfield responsibility in the absence of the injured Will Day and the departed James Worpel.
He had a stint in the guts during Hawthorn’s 17-point match simulation win over Geelong on Monday, alongside names like Josh Ward, Connor Macdonald and Cam Mackenzie.
Weitering could play in opening round | 03:45
CROWS RECRUIT’S INJURY EXTENT REVEALED
Adelaide recruit Cal Ah Chee has avoided a serious hamstring injury, with the club revealing on Monday night he remains in the frame to play in Round 1 against Collingwood.
The dual premiership Lion was one of several Origin casualties last Saturday night, though unlike Western Australia teammate Sam Taylor, who suffered a high-grade hamstring strain, Ah Chee will spend “a short term” out with a low-grade strain.
“It’s unfortunate for Cal, but we’re optimistic about his chances of being ready to go for our Round One match against Collingwood,” Crows high-performance boss Ian McKeown said.
It’s a fortunate break for Adelaide – in a trying pre-season that’s seen Dan Curtin and Mark Keane sidelined with medium-term ailments – which would have been dreading a more severe injury.
In 59 per cent time on ground at Optus Stadium last weekend, Ah Chee managed eight disposals, five marks and 172 metres gained.
WA’s Mitch Georgiades also exited Origin early due to hamstring awareness, while Victoria’s Jacob Weitering sustained a rib fracture from a heavy fall.
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