Hawthorn defender Blake Hardwick faces a long stint on the sidelines.

According to Channel Seven's Tom Browne, the 23-year old is set to miss around 10 weeks due to a pectoral injury.

 

AFL.com.au reported that he is expected to miss several weeks, with Hawthorn's football operations staff set to meet on Monday morning to determine the best course of action for the rising backman.

Hardwick has become one of the Hawks' most reliable defenders and hasn't missed a game since round three, 2017.

Hawthorn are yet to confirm the injury or provide an update.