AFL great Nick Riewoldt has put Hawthorn star Josh Weddle in the gun for his lack of defensive awareness after making the same mistake three times in three minutes during Friday night’s loss to Brisbane.
The Hawks slumped to a 67-point defeat with the Lions taking control with a six-goal second quarter, including three in quick succession.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Josh Weddle’s costly defensive errors against Brisbane
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Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood and Logan Morris all kicked goals in the opening few minutes of the second term, with Weddle at fault for two of them.
Weddle was matched up on Kai Lohmann and his inability to learn from his mistakes was highlighted by getting beaten the same way three times in three minutes.
In the first instance, Weddle and Lohmann go to ground on centre wing, but the Lion is first to his feet and quickly gets goalside of his opponent to get involved when the ball is knocked forward.
Weddle catches up and puts pressure on Lohmann, who then goes to ground as the ball is kicked forward by a teammate.
The 22-year-old is then caught ball watching as Lohmann quickly gets to his feet and runs forward to get on the end of a handball and set up a goal for Cameron.
Two minutes later and the pair are again matched up on the wing with Weddle goalside before letting Lohmann run past him twice to end up helping set up another goal
Riewoldt described the match-up as “the athlete vs the footballer”.
“Is he going to learn from his mistake? Two minutes later, you’ve got him goalside, you let him pass you again,” Riewoldt said on The Agenda Setters.
“There’s a second time in three minutes. Again, you’ve got him goalside. Are you going to learn your lesson?
“He doesn’t and he gets goalside of you again. Three mistakes in two minutes, two goals for the Brisbane Lions.
“You keep getting beaten the same way, Josh Weddle.
“I love all your traits, but you’ve got to play football, not athletics, all the time.”
Often praised for his athletic traits and versatility, Weddle has endured an indifferent campaign. He is averaging just over 15 disposals a game, and has collected just three coaches votes across the season.
Weddle signed a monster contract extension on the eve of the season, turning down a seven-year $10m offer from Essendon.
His new deal at the Hawks was reportedly worth over $900,000 a season and keeps him at the club until 2030.
