Hawthorn forward Mabior Chol will be sidelined for at least four weeks with a hamstring injury he sustained during the win over the Western Bulldogs last week.
Chol came from the ground before quarter-time and scans confirmed the moderate grade strain.
The Hawks have given a timeline of four to six weeks.
Chol's injury opens the door for Sam Mitchell to announce another debutant, with Aidan Schubert and Will McCabe pressing their case as genuine considerations for the senior side.
Calsher Dear is also in the frame to play his first match of the year after starting on the outer due to the form of Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis and Chol.
Gunston is also one who could be managed, and has been a consideration of Mitchell's especially since he pulled up lame but found his way to the line after the Easter Monday clash against Geelong.
Star midfielder Will Day is on track to return via the VFL in five weeks time after recovering from a shoulder reconstruction.
Day has been sidelined for the better part of two seasons, playing only 22 games since the beginning of 2024.
The South Australian has dealt with serious shoulder and foot issues, but has began reintegrating with the main training, pushing for a return sooner than expected.
