Track Watch: All the latest news and notes from Hawthorn’s pre-season training

There’s plenty to be excited about if you’re a Hawthorn fan, but the young guns are catching the eyes of track watchers, as the Hawks look to continue their surge to the top of the AFL.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Jack Ginnivan, Nick Watson and Connor Macdonald of the Hawks pose for a photo during the 2024 AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 06, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Hawthorn young gun Josh Weddle’s exciting pre-season has continued after he put on another eye-catching display at Hawks training on Thursday.

The 20-year old played a mixture of defensive roles during the session, mainly off halfback which has been his main position since joining the club.

The skills session featured many drills with an emphasis on fast ball movement, something Weddle thrives on and he played a big role in transitioning the ball with his speed and running capacity shining in the Waverley Park sun.

The energy was high throughout the session, which started with some light skill work, including a “Toby Greene” finishing drill.

Josh Weddle at Hawks training. Picture: Hawthorn FC

One of Hawthorn’s assistant coaches named the drill after the GWS captain with an emphasis on taking the ball one handed and dropping it quickly on the boot for a goal.

Forwards Jack Ginnivan, Jack Gunston and Nick Watson all snaring goals with snaps from the pocket.

The Hawks, who made headlines in 2024 not just with their attacking brand of footy but also with their celebrations, have placed an emphasis on working harder this pre-season and it was evident from their repeat sprints that many players are looking sharp.

After the main skills block, the Hawks completed a shortened match simulation, with only three forwards and backs in one forward 50 and none in the other.

It was in this drill that Weddle stepped up, sprinting away from teammates and delivering perfectly by hand and foot.

At one point, Weddle found the football at halfback and set off for a 30-metre sprint, taking a bounce before being trapped but he was able to turn and deliver a pinpoint kick up the line to a teammate.

The young Hawk also played one-on-one as the last defender on a handful of occasions, more than holding his own against some of Hawthorn’s key forwards.

New recruits Josh Battle and Tom Barrass sat out of the match-sim, although they completed all other drills and looked right at home in their new colours.

Will Day and James Sicily continued with their modified pre-Christmas program, featuring in drills during the first half of the session before completing a running block away from the group.

Karl Amon and Luke Bruest also ran laps for most of the session as they also managed pre-Christmas loads.