Hawthorn has suffered a cruel slew of injuries just a day after Will Day was ruled out for the beginning of the 2024 season.
Forward Dylan Moore, half-back-flanker Changkuoth Jiath and key defender James Blanck have each suffered setbacks to their pre-season preparations.
Blanck's ailment has proven worst of all, though, with the backman confirmed to have ruptured his ACL during Thursday's match simulation.
The 24-year-old, who played 15 senior games last season, suffered a left knee injury and appeared to be in significant pain before needing to be assisted from Waverley Park.
He underwent scans post-match, with the results revealing a season-ending blow for the former Box Hill Hawk.
Moore, meanwhile, is understood to have been diagnosed with glandular fever and is expected to be sidelined for up to a month, it was revealed on Thursday morning.
The 24-year-old vice-captain had a standout season in 2023, playing all 23 games and averaging 20.9 disposals a game, 5.6 marks and 1.2 goals playing a busy high-half-forward role under coach Sam Mitchell.
Moore's absence is significant for the Hawks, who relied on the livewire's defensive pressure in addition to his attacking exploits.
At a minimum, he'll be sidelined for the Hawks' pre-season matches against the Western Bulldogs, with his status for the club's season-opener against the Bombers now in doubt.
In further disappointing news for the brown and gold, rebounding defender Jiath succumbed to a hamstring ailment during the second quarter of Hawthorn's intra-club game.
The 24-year-old Jiath - who ventured to Qatar this off-season to receive treatment for persistent soft-tissue ailments - underwent scans to assess the extent of the damage and is facing close to two months on the sidelines.
Jiath has sustained a medium-grade strain and will likely miss the opening rounds of his side's 2024 campaign.
Hawthorn doctor Liam West said it was an unfortunate outcome for Jiath.
“Changkuoth was removed from the intraclub match after feeling some discomfort in his hamstring whilst sprinting,” West said.
“Unfortunately, scans revealed he has suffered a moderate-grade strain, which will now see him sidelined for at least the next six weeks.
“Given Changkuoth's body of work over the summer months, including a recent trip to Qatar, we are confident he can make a full return to play in the early rounds of the season.”
In addition to the complications for Moore, Jiath and Blanck, fifth-year midfielder Day was ruled out of Round 1 as he continues his recovery from a stress fracture in his foot.
Hawthorn faces Essendon at the MCG on March 16 in its season-opener.
