Hawks lose Skipper
03/17/2010 07:32:24 AM
Hawthorn's dwindling ruck stocks have taken another hit with rookie Wayde Skipper ruled out for two months.
Skipper left the field in the first half of the Hawks' final NAB Challenge match against Brisbane last Friday reporting knee instability.
Scans revealed that he had suffered damage to his hamstring tendon and he has since undergone surgery to repair the problem.
The former Bulldog is likely to return to training within a fortnight, but will be unavailable for selection for up to eight weeks, the club said in a statement.
It is a massive blow to the Hawks, who have already lost Simon Taylor and Max Bailey to serious injuries, while Robert Campbell was forced to retire at the end of last season due to a knee injury.
At just 21 years of age and 23 senior matches, Brent Renouf will now have to lead the Hawks' ruck division on his own for the opening stages of the season.