🔴 Major Blow: Josh Weddle (Back)

Diagnosis: Weddle (21) has been diagnosed with lumbar bone stress following soreness after round 16’s 85-point win over North Melbourne on June 28 → scans confirmed bone stress in his back .

Timeline: It’s unclear when he’ll return. The club is taking a cautious “deload” approach—reducing training loads before building back up .

Impact: Weddle has been influential from defense, especially with attacking forays off half-back. His absence leaves a significant hole in Hawthorn’s backline and transitional game .

Season Outlook: With eight rounds remaining before finals, his return seems unlikely for the home-and-away stretch. The club may push for a finals comeback depending on how well early treatment responds .

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🟢 Other Injury Updates

**James Sicily (Captain, Hip/Abdo)**
Underwent a minor hip procedure. He’s stepped up in training this week ahead of Round 17 and could face St Kilda if cleared .

**Jack Scrimshaw (Defender, Concussion/Ankle)**
Scrimshaw is among three Hawks facing fitness tests ahead of the clash with St Kilda alongside Sicily and Worpel .

**James Worpel (Midfielder, Quad)**
Initially sidelined with ankle issues earlier this season, Worpel is now also undergoing quad management and awaiting training clearance .

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🏃‍♂️ Hawks’ Selection Dilemma

The absence of Weddle disrupts their ball movement. To cover this, Hawthorn may recall experienced players returning from injury, with Sicily, Scrimshaw, and Worpel pushing to rejoin the side .

These returning veterans could help shore up the defensive structure against St Kilda on Sunday at Marvel Stadium.

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📝 Summary

Weddle is expected to be out long-term, with his season potentially over pending treatment response.

Sicily, Scrimshaw, and Worpel are on notice this week—if they pass fitness tests, they could reinforce the side; if not, selection headaches loom.

The Hawks’ run into September will depend on blending youth allowance (in Weddle’s absence) with these experienced returnees to maintain form.

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Let me know if you’d like further detail on any player’s outlook or a breakdown of how this affects team structure going forward.