Hawthorn has moved Max Lynch onto the club’s long-term injury list as he recovers from concussion.

Lynch was recalled for his first AFL game of the season in Round 6 against Adelaide, before being subbed out of the match with concussion at half-time.

The 24-year-old has been in constant consultation with club doctors and specialists following the injury and will be comprehensively monitored and supported during his recovery period.

Hawthorn Head Doctor Liam West said the decision to rule Lynch out for the remainder of the 2023 season was made with his safety and wellbeing front of mind.

“We have adopted an incredibly cautious approach with Max’s recovery timeline given his concussion history, and this move affords him the best chance to return to full health,” West said.

“While we’ve seen some good improvement from Max and he had resumed gentle exercise, our focus is fully centred around him becoming symptom-free.

“Max is 100% on board with this decision, and by removing the pressures of attempting to progress through the return-to-play protocol, it provides great comfort for him and his family.”

Hawthorn General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said the club will be doing everything it can to support Lynch during this period.

“Max is a popular figure at our club and everyone here at Hawthorn is behind him,” McCartney said.

“We all know the challenges that are associated with this type of injury, and Max is showing great positivity and patience through the process.

“Max will be given all the time and support he needs in his recovery – his safety and wellbeing is our absolute priority – football now becomes secondary.”