Hawthorn may have won its past two matches, but it has been dealt a significant setback on the injury front with three stars set for extended periods on the sidelines.
Cyril Rioli is set to miss the next 8-12 weeks after suffering a PCL injury against the Brisbane Lions last Saturday, while defender James Frawley is expected to be out for the next eight weeks with turf toe.
Triple-premiership defender Ben Stratton suffered bone bruising in his knee is likely to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks, and forward Jack Fitzpatrick – who was only recently upgraded from the rookie list – faces a fitness test after suffering a concussion.
Star recruit Jaeger O'Meara's return remains unclear as he battled ongoing knee problems, while Grant Birchall is still a month away from resuming after straining a medial ligament against Melbourne in round six.
The news comes a day after rookie Luke Surman walked away from football, after losing his desire for the game.