Hawthorn injury news: Denver Grainger-Barras set for toe surgery as Hawks’ key position injury concerns grow

The Hawks have been dealt another massive injury blow as a young star is ruled out for three months with ‘turf-toe’ to add to their growing key position woes.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. February 15, 2024. AFL. Hawthorn Intraclub practise match at Waverley Park. Denver Grainger-Barras of the Hawks spoils from behind. Pic: Michael Klein

Hawthorn has been dealt another injury blow just weeks out from the start of the home-and-away season with talented young tall Denver Grainger-Barras having toe surgery.

The No. 6 pick in the 2020 national draft, Grainger-Barras damaged the ligaments around his big toe during the Hawks’ intra-club match last Thursday and subsequently went under the knife on Monday.

The 21-year-old is expected to be sidelined for three months with the issue – which is commonly known as ‘turf toe’ – potentially ruling him out until the second half of the season.

“It was deemed that the best course of action for Denver was for him to undergo surgery to help return him to play this season and protect the health of his toe in the long term,” Hawthorn Head Doctor Liam West said.

“Having successfully undergone this procedure we are expecting to see him return to play in 12-14 weeks.”

Denver Grainger-Barras has damaged ligaments in his big toe and will be sidelined for three months. Picture: Michael Klein

Drafted as 194cm key defender, Grainger-Barras shifted forward last year and kicked goals in two senior matches late in the season.

He has played 28 AFL games in three years since joining the club.

The latest injury comes after key defender James Blanck ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during last week’s intra-club match, ending his 2024 campaign.

Defender and wingman Changkuoth Jiath also suffered a fresh hamstring injury in that session, putting him on the sidelines for up to eight weeks.

Star midfielder and reigning best-and-fairest winner Will Day (foot) and vice-captain Dylan Moore (glandular fever) are two other Hawks facing delayed starts to the season.

Hawthorn signed 196cm intercept defender Ethan Phillips through the supplemental selection period on Monday as a “ready-made key defensive option”, just days after Blanck’s injury.

Phillips, 24, averaged 11 intercept possessions, 4.9 intercept marks, 4.6 spoils and 17.6 disposals from 18 VFL matches for Port Melbourne last season.

Hawthorn meets Essendon in round 1 at the MCG on March 16.

Originally published as Hawthorn injury news: Denver Grainger-Barras set for toe surgery as Hawks’ key position injury concerns grow