HAWTHORN midfielder Liam Shiels is set to miss up to six weeks after suffering a hairline fracture in his wrist.

Shiels, 24, was injured in the final quarter of the Hawks' NAB Challenge match against North Melbourne on Saturday night.

Young Hawk forward looms as Roughead replacement

"Scans yesterday revealed Liam has a hairline fracture in his right wrist,” Hawthorn football manager told Fagan toldthe club's website.

"What that effectively means is he’ll be out for somewhere between four to six weeks.

"Liam has had a really good pre-season to date and it’s a disappointing result at this stage of the year."

The three-time premiership player was first for tackles and third for clearances at the club in 2015.

Billy Hartung is a possible option to replace Shiels. The 21-year-old is entering his third season and has exceptional endurance.

Hartung was rested in the second half of the game against the Kangaroos after being knocked in his knee.

Jonathan O'Rourke could also be in line for a round one spot against Geelong on Easter Monday. The former Greater Western Sydney midfielder had 20 disposals against North Melbourne.

The injury is another blow in Hawthorn's bid for a fourth straight premiership, with forward Jarryd Roughead not likely to be seen until the second half of the season after having his PCL reconstructed.