Hawthorn star forward Jack Gunston is in significant doubt to play round one after suffering a setback from off-season ankle surgery
The key forward underwent the surgery in December last year due to frequent discomfort.
He returned to training for the Hawks in February but Hawthorn Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd has said the club is taking a bigger picture approach to Gunston's return.
โJack started back in the ball program last week after pre-Christmas surgery on his ankle,โ Boyd told the clubโs website.
โWhether he will be ready for Round 1, we are still unsure but that will likely be determined by how the next two weeks go".
โWeโre obviously aiming for Round 1 with Jack, but itโs not the be all and end all".
"We will make sure the aim for Jack is to not just be able to play Round 1 but be able to play and perform when he does return.โ
Hawthorn have a number of key injuries heading into a tough round one clash with Brisbane, including defender Blake Hardwick being ruled out for 12 weeks due to a ruptured pectoral muscle.
