Hawks duo host Virgin Australia fan flight to Adelaide

Hawthorn players Josh Weddle and Josh Battle have opened up on what a typical interstate flight looks like for their club as the team flew over to Adelaide with dozens of lucky fans.

Hawthorn defenders Josh Weddle and Josh Battle have opened up about the business versus economy class divide when AFL stars take flight.

Weddle and Battle hosted an exclusive Virgin Australia fan flight for Hawks supporters from Melbourne to the Gather Round in Adelaide on Saturday.

“It’s always a great opportunity to fly with the fans,” Battle said.

“They support us from afar, so I’m really looking forward to getting among it and spending some time with them.”

The lucky fans shared the flight with the entire Hawthorn team, bar coach Sam Mitchell.

Hawks players Josh Weddle and Josh Battle on a special Virgin Australia Hawks fan flight from Melbourne to Adelaide on Saturday. Picture: Nui Te Koha

Weddle jumped on the intercom while the plane cruised at 33,000 feet to give away prizes, including grand final tickets.

There were also “special prizes”, like a “brand new hairbrush” won by the lucky man in seat 14A, follically-challenged footballer David Hale.

A framed photograph of the coach was also gifted to a random passenger.

“If you ask (Mitchell) nicely, he’ll sign it,” Weddle joked.

Weddle and Battle also opened up about the air travel hierarchy at the club – and who flies at the pointy end of the plane.

“This is the first time for me being up here,” Battle said, looking comfortable in 2C.

“Normally, I’m up the back. It’s the captain and the coach who are normally up the front.”

Weddle added: “Most of the younger guys get the exit row and the taller players get extra leg room. That’s OK with me.”

The fan flight was decked out in Hawthorn colours. Picture: Nui Te Koha

Josh Weddle and Josh Battle, and Virgin Australia crew, aboard a special Hawks fan flight to Gather Round. Picture: Hawthorn FC.

Hawthorn will play Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Battle said the players are ignoring headlines about a so-called “grudge match” over Port coach Ken Hinkley’s famous altercation with Hawk Jack Ginnivan last year.

“Obviously, it’s been hyped up in the media, but we’re focused on the game ahead and what makes us a good side,” Battle said.

Weddle added: “For us, it’s just another opportunity to get four points. I see it as another game. We’ll go out there, have the same focus and play our way.”

Virgin Australia has operated 380 flights, with 65,000 seats, to get footy fans in and out of Adelaide from April 7 to 13.

Libby Minogue of Virgin Australia said: “AFL is more than just a sport. It’s a shared passion that brings people together and Gather Round is a perfect example of that.”

Virgin Australia is the official airline of the AFL.