“He left the track early, so with the flight to and from Perth and a six day turnaround, we’ve decided that we’ll hold him out of this game,” football manager Mark Evans said.

“These things usually just last a few days and even though we’re not leaving until Saturday, we just think with the turnaround it would be best not to take him and that gives young Brent Renouf another chance to have a crack at AFL football.”

The Hawks will also be without Luke Hodge due to suspension. It’s not the first time this year that the club’s engine room has been undermanned, with injury or suspension ruling out Shane Crawford, Brad Sewell and Jordan Lewis at various times.

“We have had a year like that but I’d have to say that we’ve been a little bit more stable over the last few weeks so it’s a matter of all those guys getting into good form.”

In better news for the Hawks, forward Tim Boyle returned from injury in the reserves last weekend and despite Box Hill suffering a 60-point defeat, he made a solid contribution.

“He had a run at Werribee. It looked like he’s starting to get into a touch. Hopefully he’ll keep progressing this week and put some real pressure back on for senior selection.”