Four Hawks have been recognised for their outstanding seasons in the brown and gold with selection in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 squad.
Jack Ginnivan, Nick Watson, Josh Ward and Josh Weddle have been named in the 2025 squad after impressive campaigns so far.
VOTE FOR GINNIVAN, WATSON, WARD AND WEDDLE HERE!
Ginnivan is no stranger to the 22Under22 squad, this being his third appearance. The 22-year-old has made the team in 2022 and 2024.
For Weddle, this marks his second straight selection in the squad.
Following previous squad selections, midfielder Ward will be looking for his first team selection.
Twenty-year-old Watson has been selected in the 40-player squad for the first time.
Ginnivan played 19 of 20 possible games in 2025, returning to the senior side in Round 7 with a newfound energy to hit his best form, averaging elite status in disposals (18.3), kicks (10.40) and handballs (7.8), plus an above average 1.2 goals a game, with 23 for the year so far.
His best game to date this season came in Round 12 against his former club, Collingwood, where he finished with a career-high 31 disposals and team-high three goals.
Ginni with some absolute magic 🤯#AFLCrowsHawks pic.twitter.com/OgNnd5gIoh
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) August 1, 2025
Watson has missed just one game in 2025, continuing his steady improvement as a crafty small forward.
The 20-year-old is averaging 1.5 goals (above average) as well as 11.2 disposals and two tackles per game.
The lively small has booted his season-high three goals on three occasions against the Bombers, Tigers and Kangaroos. With 28 majors for the season so far, Watson sits third on the Hawks' goalkicking tally.
Cool heads under pressure, Watson finishes a great team goal 😤#AFLHawksBlues pic.twitter.com/3weORT1i5i
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) July 24, 2025
Ward is having a career-best year, cementing his spot in the senior side, having missed only Opening Round for 2025.
The 21-year-old has been dominant through the Hawks' midfield, averaging 20.9 disposals, 10.8 kicks and 10.1 handballs and 3.3 clearances a game.
His top season performances in disposals came in Round 13 against the Bulldogs, with 28, while in Round 19 against the Power, he managed a season-high nine tackles and six clearances.
Josh Ward Appreciation Post 👏 pic.twitter.com/3BIwzk40aL
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) June 7, 2025
Weddle’s start to 2025 was exciting, with his endurance and speed making him a pivotal piece in the Hawks' defence.
A bone stress injury in his back saw the 21-year-old sidelined after playing 15 consecutive games in 2025, ending his consecutive games streak at 57 since making his debut in 2023.
Playing primarily as a defender, Weddle averaged 16.5 disposals, 7.5 handballs and 4.9 marks. The versatile tall also spent time in the ruck and in the forward line, with eight goals to his name in 2025.
His best game of 2025 was Round 14 against the Crows, with his best season performances in disposals (23), kicks (13), and metres gained (686).
Weddle from the square 🎯#AFLHawksTigers pic.twitter.com/Ig1PtELdEv
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) May 4, 2025
Hawthorn is one of only three teams with four or more players selected in the squad.
To be eligible, players are required to be aged 22 and under for the duration of the season and to have played 50 per cent of the home and away season, 12 matches.
The squad of 40 was selected by Chair of Selectors, Leigh Montagna, and an internal selection panel at the AFL Players’ Association, with support from Champion Data, while fans have the chance to decide the final 22.
Voting is now open and will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 13 August.
The final team will be announced on 20 August via the AFL Players’ Association’s social media channels.
40-player squad:
Forwards – Josh Rachele (ADL), Logan Morris (BRI), Nate Caddy (ESS), Murphy Reid (FRE), Bailey Humphery (GCS), Aaron Cadman (GWS), Darcy Jones (GWS), Jack Ginnivan (HAW), Nick Watson (HAW), Paul Curtis (NM), Seth Campbell (RIC).
Midfielders – Daniel Curtin (ADL), Jake Soligo (ADL), Levi Ashcroft (BRI), Will Ashcroft (BRI), Nick Daicos (COL), Ned Long (COL), Ollie Dempsey (GEE), Finn Callaghan (GWS), Josh Ward (HAW), Harvey Langford (MEL), Harry Sheezel (NM), Jason Horne-Francis (PA), Marcus Windhager (STK), Harley Reid (WCE), Joel Freijah (WB), Ryley Sanders (WB).
Rucks – Patrick Voss (FRE), Sam Darcy (WB).
Defenders – Max Michalanney (ADL), Darcy Wilmot (BRI), Jaspa Fletcher (BRI), Archie Roberts (ESS), Lawson Humphries (GEE), Connor O’Sullivan (GEE), Mac Andrew (GCS), Bodhi Uwland (GCS), Josh Weddle (HAW), Colby McKercher (NM), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (STK).
