Battle sidelined after emergency surgery
Hawthorn's defensive stocks have taken another hit, with All-Australian defender Josh Battle ruled out of Saturday's match against Melbourne after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. The 27-year-old was a late withdrawal from the side, having spent the previous night in hospital undergoing tests for abdominal pain.
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary confirmed the development, revealing that Battle had his appendix removed and will not feature against the Demons in Tasmania. “He will be unlikely next week for the Carlton game too,” Cleary said.
Hawks' backline decimated by absences
Battle's absence compounds a growing injury and suspension crisis in Hawthorn's backline. The club will be without Josh Weddle (suspension), Karl Amon, and Jarman Impey for the clash with Melbourne. “And throw in Jack Scrimshaw (knee) who is also injured,” Cleary added.
Electric forward Nick Watson is also out with a hamstring issue, but there is some positive news with veteran Jack Gunston returning to the side.
More to come as the situation develops.
