Defender Josh Battle has had his appendix removed, dealing Hawthorn another major blow for their big AFL match against Melbourne.
The All-Australian went to hospital with abdominal pain on Thursday and had surgery in the evening. Bodie Ryan is his most likely replacement for the Saturday afternoon game in Launceston.
While the Hawks will regain forward Jack Gunston (foot) for the first time since late May, Karl Amon and Ned Reeves also went out of the side this week with knee problems.
Earlier this week, the Hawks ruled out Nick Watson because of a hamstring issue.
