Impressive youngster Josh Weddle has capped off a dominant maiden campaign, named as Hawthorn’s Most Promising Player at the Peter Crimmins Medal on Saturday night.
The first-year Hawk was a shining light this season, featuring among five players to be recognised with a club award on the night.
After making his debut in Round 7, the 19-year-old did not miss a game, playing 17 matches for the year – the most of any Hawthorn debutant in 2023.
Showing plenty of promising signs of a bright future ahead, Weddle’s fantastic first season saw him earn a Rising Star nomination in Round 10.
Arriving the club last year with Pick 18 in the national draft, the emerging star averaged 17.3 disposals at 78.6 per cent efficiency, 5.1 marks and 273 metres gained per outing.
Conor Nash deservedly took out the Most Improved Player following an incredible season that saw him cement himself as a key part of the club’s future.
After struggling to find consistency in the early stages of his career, Nash earned a reprieve last year in Hawthorn’s midfield under new coach Sam Mitchell.
The Irishman never looked back, continuing to rapidly improve across the course of the season to elevate his game to new heights.
In his seventh campaign in the brown and gold, Nash thrived among Hawthorn's engine room, averaging 24 disposals a game (+8.5 compared to 2022).
Praised by his coaches as the ultimate teammate, Nash’s success follows an immense body of work on his craft in recent seasons.
After taking out Best Clubman last year, Dylan Moore added another accolade to his name, earning the nod for this year’s Most Courageous Player.
Moore showed toughness and courage all year and impressed with his leadership qualities during his first year as co-vice captain.
Putting his body on the line week in, week out, Moore’s application was often admired by those around him.
Ranked elite in disposals and marks as a small forward, Moore is one never to shy away from a contest, always applying himself with his competitive spirit.
Meanwhile, Will Day earned the respect from his fellow teammates, in taking out the player-voted Lethal Award.
One of the most regarded accolades within the four walls of Hawthorn, past winners of the award include the likes of Ben Stratton, Liam Shiels, and more recently, Jai Newcombe.
Day pieced together a career-best year, averaging 25.6 disposals, 4.2 clearances and 5.8 marks.
Much-loved among his teammates, Day played an important role in driving the standards among a young Hawks group.
An emerging leader at the club, Day was deemed best afield in several games for his side and was a model of consistency all year.
A valued servant for more than a decade in the brown and gold, Luke Breust was named Best Clubman.
Commended for his selfless approach, Breust has long been lauded as the type of player who always put the team first, leading to his special recognition in 2023.
At 32 years of age, the veteran showed no signs of slowing down this season, continuing his dominance in Hawthorn's attack, finishing as the club’s leading goalkicker for the fifth time in his career.
Named as co vice-captain alongside Moore, Breust also played a notable mentoring role, with his professionalism and discipline benefiting several young Hawks, and the team as a whole.
Highly respected both on and off the field, Breust’s contribution to the club is valued enormously by both the fans, his coaches, and his teammates.
Hawthorn’s 2023 Club Award Winners
Most Promising: Josh Weddle
Most Improved: Conor Nash
Most Courageous: Dylan Moore
Best Clubman: Luke Breust
Lethal Award: Will Day
