Injury woes for Hawks

HAWTHORN has progressed to its first preliminary final since losing a thriller to Essendon in 2001, but the win against the Western Bulldogs came at a cost.

Star defender Trent Croad injured his foot late in the second term and took no part in the second half.

After the match the 28-year-old was in significant pain as he hobbled around the changerooms.

"He's got a foot injury but we're not certain what it is," Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said.

"He's having trouble putting weight on his foot, so whether its ligament damage, or bone damage, we just need to get it assessed probably tomorrow morning to see where it's at."

Cameron Stokes (corked thigh) and Grant Birchall (corked hip) are both expected to be available for the preliminary final, while Rick Ladson (shoulder) will have tests to determine the extent of the damage after he was crunched in a marking contest late in the game.