SEAN Rusling's shocking run with injuries has persisted, with a shoulder reconstruction to ruin his AFL season.

The richly-talented Collingwood key forward will have the operation on his left shoulder for the second straight year.

Rusling suffered a dislocated shoulder early in Saturday's round-one win over Fremantle and the Magpies said on Wednesday that he would definitely need the operation.

"The surgeon confirmed that Sean requires a shoulder reconstruction," Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh said in a statement.

"How and when that happens will be decided over the next few days.

"It's really disappointing for Sean, given he's been through this before."

While a shoulder reconstruction does not mean as much time on the sidelines as a knee reconstruction, Rusling will still be out of action for several months.

Last year, he suffered the injury during the pre-season and did not return until a fortnight before the finals.

Rusling was outstanding for the `Pies late last season, but the game is taking a massive toll on his body.

The 21-year-old has managed only 17 senior games for Collingwood since his 2005 debut.

He suffered a broken collarbone in his debut season and in 2006 sustained a pre-season shoulder injury which needed surgery.

Young Kangaroos forward Robbie Tarrant will also need a shoulder reconstruction after hurting the joint on the weekend playing for North Ballarat in the VFL.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn are awaiting word on Trent Croad's wrist injury.

Croad suffered dislocation to two bones near his left wrist early in Sunday's demolition of Melbourne at the MCG.

The club is unsure whether Croad needs surgery.