Burgoyne in doubt for season opener
03/03/2010 11:27:15 PM
Hawthorn midfielder Shaun Burgoyne is in doubt for Round 1 of the season after re-injuring his niggling hamstring on Wednesday afternoon.
The prize recruit, who is yet to represent the Hawks, was set to play in the final round of the pre-season challenge matches but a low-grade hamstring tear has postponed his debut.
Scans revealed the injury, which happened at the end of training on Wednesday, was not as severe as first thought.
The former Port Adelaide play-maker now has his sights on running out for the Hawks in the early rounds of the season proper.
Hawthorn football operations manager Mark Evan said the club would be conservative in its approach to the injury.
"He felt a grab at back at hammy toward end of training," Evans said.
"A scan showed later today that he had a low grade tear."
"The original plan was to play Shaun in Round 4 of the pre-season program. Now that won't happen."
Although the Hawks said the delay would be short, the injury will hinder the 27-year-old's bid to establish himself at the club after crossing from the Power in exchange for two first-round picks during trade week last year.
Hawthorn, which finished ninth last year, will take on Melbourne at the MCG on March 27 in the opening round of the season.