Hawthorn’s barnstorming start to the AFL season has come at a cost, with midfielder Liam Shiels out of action for about a month.
The two-time premiership player suffered a hamstring strain during their 62-point romp over Geelong on Easter Monday.
Shiels had scans on Tuesday and they confirmed the bad news.
“Unfortunately for Liam, they’re not great … the chances are, he’ll miss three to four weeks,” said Hawks football operations manager Chris Fagan.
“We won’t rush him, just make sure he’s right when he comes back.”
The good news for the Hawks is that Grant Birchall, David Hale and Matt Spangher are on the verge of pushing for senior recalls after interrupted pre-seasons.
Cats defender Corey Enright denied the big loss had dented their confidence against Hawthorn.
After the 11-game winning streak against Hawthorn – the so-called Kennett Curse – Geelong have now lost four of their last five games against the two-time defending premiers.
But Enright was defiant the day after their big loss.
“Let’s put it this way – the next time we play them, we won’t be fearing them,” he said.
Geelong’s Johnson accepts fine
Geelong star Steve Johnson has accepted his $1,000 fine for an AFL rough conduct charge.
Johnson was booked for his collision with Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell during the Easter Monday match at the MCG.
Mitchell said later that night he did not think Johnson deserved a suspension for the incident.
Johnson’s decision means the tribunal will not sit this week, with all the players charged after round one accepting their penalties.
Source: AAP