Overview

• Scans on July 1 confirmed early-stage lumbar bone stress after Weddle reported back soreness following Hawthorn’s 85-point win over North Melbourne.
• Club doctor Liam West said the initial de-loading phase will determine how long Weddle remains sidelined.
• The club has not ruled him out for the rest of the season and is optimistic that early detection will enable his return before the finals.
• Weddle’s streak of 57 consecutive games since debut in 2023 underscores his importance to Hawthorn’s defence.
• His injury compounds a spate of back stress fractures among the club’s young players over the past 18 months.