Hawthorn is working to keep young star Josh Weddle after a large offer from a rival club. While many believe he will stay, his teammates gave careful answers when asked by the media. At the same time, North Melbourne is dealing with players getting hurt during practice, which may change their plans for the start of the season. These events show how clubs are trying to balance keeping their best players while staying healthy for games.
Hawthorn is close to a new deal with Josh Weddle despite a massive $10 million offer from Essendon, while North Melbourne manages new player injuries.
Current Situation and Player Movements
The AFL landscape is currently seeing several high-profile contract talks and physical setbacks.
Josh Weddle performed well in a recent match simulation against Geelong, finishing with 15 possessions and five marks.
North Melbourne has reported injuries to two players during training, though the club has not yet shared the full details of their recovery time.
Sam Walsh is reportedly in talks for a seven-year deal with Carlton, showing a trend of very long contracts for top stars.
Melbourne is adjusting to the loss of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, who have moved to other clubs.
"He's a Hawthorn boy… there was no chance of him departing the club." — Nick Watson, Hawthorn forward.
Recorded Evidence and Events
| Player/Club | Status | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Weddle | Out of contract (2026) | Reports say he rejected a $10m offer to stay at Hawthorn. |
| Nick Watson | Active | Corrected teammate Jack Ginnivan during a press conference about Weddle. |
| Jasmine Garner | Returning | Named in the squad for North Melbourne despite an ankle injury. |
| Sam Walsh | In talks | Discussing a 7-year extension with the Blues. |
| Zach Merrett | Staying | Remained at Essendon after a move to Hawthorn did not happen. |
The Hawthorn Contract Stand-Off
Josh Weddle is a key player for Hawthorn's future. During a press conference on Tuesday, Jack Ginnivan and Nick Watson were asked about Weddle’s future. Ginnivan began to speak about the deal as if it were finished, but Watson quickly stopped him, reminding him that the club had not yet made an official announcement.
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Does the silence from the club suggest that the final details of the contract are still being argued?
While the players seem sure he is staying, the lack of an official statement leaves room for questions. Essendon has shown "massive interest" in the 21-year-old, using a large financial offer to try and lure him away from the "brown and gold."
North Melbourne’s Training Setbacks
North Melbourne has had a difficult week with two players being "struck down" during training sessions. This follows a period where the club has been very active in trying to improve its roster. They recently offered a first-round draft pick for Dan Houston to add experience to their young team.
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The injuries are a concern for a team that is trying to move up the ladder. In the AFLW, the club is seeing better news as star Jasmine Garner was named in the squad much earlier than expected after an ankle injury. This shows a contrast between the men's team's recent bad luck and the women's team's quick recoveries.
League-Wide Strategy and Long-Term Deals
Clubs are now using very long contracts to keep their stars. Sam Walsh at Carlton is the latest example of a player looking at a deal that could last nearly a decade.
Kysaiah Pickett is taking his time with Melbourne to decide his future.
Ben King has stated his feelings for the Suns have not changed, yet he remains a major target for other clubs.
Darcy Parish is expected to return to the field this week after missing time.
Are these long-term deals a sign that clubs are becoming more afraid of losing players in the open market?
Analysis from Industry Experts
Experts from Gettable, including Cal Twomey and Riley Beveridge, note that the "mega-contracts" are becoming a standard tool for teams to stop rivals from stealing talent. They point out that Essendon's attempt to get Josh Weddle was one of the most aggressive moves seen this year.
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The experts also suggest that North Melbourne’s decision to offer high draft picks for established stars shows they are no longer content with just waiting for young players to grow. They are now "chasing" talent to get results faster.
Investigation Findings
The evidence shows that Hawthorn is in a strong position to keep Josh Weddle, even if the paperwork is not yet public. The interaction between his teammates suggests a deal is done but being kept secret for a planned announcement.
For North Melbourne, the focus must turn to their medical room. The training injuries could slow down their progress. The broader league is moving toward a system where top players sign for seven or more years, making it harder for struggling teams to find proven talent unless they offer very large sums of money.
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The next step for Hawthorn will be the official announcement of Weddle’s signing, while North Melbourne will need to provide updates on the fitness of their injured duo.
Sources and Context
Hawks livewires react to Weddle's imminent re-signing - Details on teammate reactions and match performance.
Inside Trading: Dees stars' options, Hawks gun in talks - Context on Kozzy Pickett and general trade news.
Hawthorn Hawks Team List - List of off-contract players and recent movements.
Gettable: Mega 40-player trade update - Expert analysis on the financial size of rival offers.
AFLW Teams: Roos' Garner call - Information on injury recoveries at North Melbourne.
Teammate's awkward slip-up after $10m offer - Coverage of the press conference interaction.
Battered Hawks vs Roos match report - Data on injury management during physical games.
