Gun Hawk "no certainty to return" following back concern

Hawthorn’s Josh Weddle is set to be sidelined for an extended period with bone stress in his back.

Hawthorn provided the following statement on Weddle:

Josh Weddle has been sidelined after suffering bone stress in his back.

Weddle reported some soreness in his back following the Hawthorn’s Round 16 game against North Melbourne at the weekend.

Subsequent scans revealed the early stages of lumbar bone stress, with Head Doctor Liam West declaring Weddle’s exact recovery timeline will be determined in due course.

“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,” West said.

“Given how early the injury was discovered, we are hopeful he can return to play before the end of the season.

“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.

“We will ensure to provide further updates on Josh’s injury as soon as we can.”

Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary has reported that the 21-year-old could miss a “significant chunk” of footy.

AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich further reported that Weddle is “no certainty to return” in season 2025.

Weddle has impressed in defence this season while also pushing forward on the odd occasion.

He has played all 15 games so far this campaign, averaging 16.5 disposals and three rebound 50s.