Hawthorn SSP train-on player Brodie McLaughlin has undergone surgery to repair a broken foot he suffered at pre-season training last Thursday, cruelly ending his AFL lifeline opportunity.
According to AFL Media's Josh Gabelich, the Williamstown Seagulls star went for scans following the training incident, which revealed that a stress fracture in his foot had caused the break, sidelining McLaughlin for a "significant period of time".
McLaughlin kicked 71 goals in 2025 for Williamstown, earning him the VFL's Coleman Medal equivalent. He has played with the standalone state level club since 2024 after being delisted by Gold Coast in 2023.
Gabelich stated that the Hawks are expected to help the 28-year-old during his lengthy rehabilitation period.
Hawthorn have two additional SSP train-on players participating with the senior side this summer; Box Hill Hawks players Kye Declase and Ethan Stanley.
Declase was previously listed by Melbourne but has since spent time at Werribee and joined the Hawks' VFL side in 2025.
Stanley was a mid-season pick-up for Fremantle in 2023, and played two senior games before he was let go.
