Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett believes star utility Josh Weddle is unlikely to leave the Hawks because of his family connection to the club.
Weddle, 21, has reportedly been offered a $10 million contract over seven years by Essendon - which is the richest deal tabled in the club's history.
The Bombers' contract offer to Weddle comes after they resisted Hawthorn's wish for them to release captain Zach Merrett to the Hawks via trade.
Kennett believes Weddle would be a significant asset to a rebuild at Essendon, but believes the player's grandmother might have something to say about a move to Tullamarine.
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“Essendon, quite clearly, have a great deal of building to do. I understand they would want to attract proven players who have a decent runway ahead of them,” Kennett said to The Age.
“I would personally hate to lose Weddle. He is an important part of our group but, more importantly, he has a very enthusiastic grandmother, who I am sure would want him to keep playing for Hawthorn.
“I can only hope his grandmother would exert an influence that would keep him a part of our team. She is a Hawthorn supporter I met in the bread shop down at Anglesea. She came up to me and said she was so proud of her grandson, she goes to watch him every game, and she would much prefer, I am sure, for him to continue at Hawthorn.”
Weddle has played 60 games for the Hawks since being selected with pick 18 in the 2022 AFL National Draft.
He has been named in the '22under22' team in 2024 and 2025 as he develops into a utility that can play many different roles.
Weddle has been used as a defender, ruckman, midfielder and a forward across his three seasons in the AFL.