HAWTHORN defender Trent Croad could miss up to six weeks after injuring his wrist in the round one win over Melbourne.

The talented defender was forced to leave the field just four minutes into the match on Sunday and was rushed to Epworth Hospital after landing awkwardly on the wrist he had broken in 2006.

However scans revealed that the Hawks defender hadn’t sustained a fracture or break on this occasion. After a meeting with the 28-year-old’s specialist last night it was decided that surgery to repair ligaments in his injured wrist will not be required.

In other news, forward Mark Williams, who was a late withdrawal for the club’s first round match due to illness, is available for selection this week but may play with the Box Hill Hawks at the weekend.

Also back for the Hawks’ for their tussle with Fremantle is talented midfielder Luke Hodge and defender Campbell Brown who are back from suspension.