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“I was looking at it the other day. I’ve had 18 shots on goal this year, which is pretty high, considering I only had four shots last year,” said Weddle, a graduate of Eltham High School and Cary Baptist Grammar School.
“The attacking role and the way we play has allowed me to get more shots. 'That's it' [James Sicily]”The team also has more shots on goal. That's good for us. It opens up the game. It doesn't depend on the strikers to score goals.”
Hawks player Josh Weddle initially surprised his friends when he gave a celebratory salute after scoring a goal against Carlton.credit: AFL Pictures
When they got to the scoreboard, the Hawks, who were social media-savvy, led by the 'Hooligans', were looking for ways to outdo each other through what they affectionately call 'the dungeons'. Weddle was not usually one to get involved in this, but that changed against the Blues when he saluted his key goal, which was later voted goal of the week.
“I was in that moment. As a fullback, you don’t really expect me to score a few goals in a game. I just thought, ‘Why not?’” said Weddle, a talented basketball player who has represented the Eltham Wildcats on the international stage.
“Some of my teammates who weren't playing were a bit shocked by what I was doing. They thought it was a bit funny. But after the game, they thought it was really cool.”
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It was also wonderful – and fitting – that the Hawks handed Weddell the No. 23 jersey ahead of the 2024 campaign. He has met three of the Premiership greats who have worn the number – Don Scott, Dermot Brereton and Lance Franklin – and understands the responsibility that comes with that pedigree.
“When I saw the number open, I thought, ‘Let’s jump on it, let’s play with that number.’ Obviously it wasn’t a big number for a backfield player, but I was like, ‘It’s more about the person jumping, not the position he played,’” Weddle said.
“I met Paddy in Round 7 – that was a very special moment. He's a great guy to talk to and obviously a very good player in the 23-man squad for the Hawks and Sydney. It's a huge honour to wear it for this club. I hope I can do him proud in front of all the Hawks fans.”
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