Josh Weddle

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 . He has been described as a player with strong aerial ability and sound defensive craft.

After some strong performances for Hawthorn's affiliated reserves club Box Hill Hawks, Weddle made his debut against 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 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 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 's Daniel Rioli.

Statistics Updated to the end of round 24, 2026.

80 !! 29 !! 31 !! 669 !! 577 !! 1246 !! 373 !! 154 !! 66 !! 0.4 !! 0.4 !! 8.4 !! 7.2 !! 15.6 !! 4.7 !! 1.9 !! 0.8 !! 8

Honours and achievements Team McClelland Trophy : 2024

Individual 3× 22under22 team: 2024, 2025, 2026 AFL Rising Star nominee: 2023