Hawthorn gun forward Jack Gunston is unlikely to play next week as coach Sam Mitchell details his "frustrating" foot injury.
Gunston has been in career-best form, kicking 35 goals in nine matches, but hasn't played since the Round 12 win over St Kilda.
The Hawks are confident the 34-year-old will overcome the issue, but are cautious of rushing him back.
“I've never been one to mess around with the injury report. I've always pretty much told you exactly what we know,” Mitchell said on SEN.
“He's got a mid-foot sprain. Now there's more complicated language than I can pronounce, according to our doctors.
“The joint in the middle of his foot, he hurt a few weeks ago, but he ended up bouncing out of it not too badly. Then he played on it, and it was potentially a little bit sore after he played a game.
“Now every week we're thinking he'll be ok, he'll do a bit of training and he'll be available, but he hasn't got there. So we need to reassess the management and how we're going about it.
“He's not ruled out of next week, but I think he's more unlikely than likely right now, even for next week.
“It is a frustrating one, mainly for him because he's got Nick Watson telling him every day he's going to beat him in the goal kicking. So it's frustrating for him on two fronts, I think.”
Mitchell was quizzed on whether the injury was something more sinister than a foot sprain and if it could be a longer stint on the sidelines.
“I don't think so,” Mitchell answered.
“I probably haven't asked that question, which I don't want to hear the answer to.
“He's a chance for next week, he hasn't been ruled out. The way they're talking and the language (they're using) and how much footy he's missed now, if I had to put my house on it, he's probably unlikely for next and more likely the week after.
“But it's been a bit unpredictable, which is frustrating for him.”
