Hawthorn defender Josh Weddle remains a key figure for the club heading into the finals despite recent inconsistent performances, according to teammate Jarman Impey. The 22-year-old has faced criticism over both his offensive and defensive contributions toward the end of the home-and-away season, averaging 11 disposals in the last four games. Weddle is expected to play on the wing during the finals and has been focusing on improving his inside-50 kicking in training sessions held at Dingley ahead of the qualifying final against Fremantle.
Impey, who highlights Weddle’s versatility and value to the side, emphasized that the young player has the full support of his teammates. “He’s the type of player who can have a big impact anywhere on the ground,” Impey said, noting that Weddle has sometimes struggled to find the ball but possesses the ability to influence games significantly.
The Hawks are preparing for their qualifying final in Perth on Thursday night and are expected to make only one change to their lineup. Jack Ginnivan, recently cleared of a back injury, is set to return, replacing Jack Dalton. The majority of the team's depth players participated in Box Hill’s VFL qualifying final on Saturday and may not have sufficient recovery time before the AFL final.
Several players are unlikely to feature against Fremantle, including ruckman Ned Reeves, key defender Noah Mraz (returning from a kidney injury), Sam Butler, Finn Maginness, and Jack Dalton. Veteran defender Jack Scrimshaw also remains doubtful after managing a knee injury and missing Box Hill’s final.
Meanwhile, Karl Amon, who has been dealing with a knee issue, completed a full training session and took extra running laps after the main group wound down. Co-captain James Sicily spent additional time working with midfielders, suggesting the coaching staff may consider him in a midfield role for the upcoming match.
Reflecting on a previous match against Fremantle, where the Dockers mounted a late comeback known as “Wharfie Time,” Impey described the upcoming road trip to Perth as particularly challenging. However, he dismissed suggestions that the team has specifically prepared to counter the stadium atmosphere. “We’ve played them this year and got great learnings out of it, so we actually look forward to it,” he said.
Impey, who recently earned his first All-Australian selection alongside teammate Nick Watson, expressed confidence in the team’s progress and environment. “We’ve got good personnel, good players, and we run a good ship here,” he said, highlighting the benefits of the club’s new facilities and growing experience.
Elsewhere in the AFLW, Melbourne delivered Brisbane their heaviest defeat in club history with a 56-point victory at Casey Fields, while Port Adelaide’s Indy Tahau continues to be hampered by knee injuries during a narrow loss to GWS at Manuka. At Carlton, under new coach Josh Fraser, the team has emphasized quick, short kicks and has seen substantial improvement, winning 12 of its last 15 games. Midfielder Patrick Walsh expressed optimism about building a strong culture and achieving success after a prolonged premiership drought for the club.