Hawthorn forward Chad Wingard is set to undergo surgery after it was confirmed he ruptured his Achilles tendon against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
The 30-year-old was helped from the ground after suffering the injury during the opening minutes of his side’s three-point win in Launceston.
Wingard flew back to Melbourne with the team on Sunday night and consulted with a specialist on Monday morning where the extent of the injury was confirmed.
The injury is an unfortunate setback for the experienced forward who has returned to some impressive form across the past six weeks.
He is set to have surgery within the next fortnight once swelling settles and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
Hawthorn General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said the club will be doing everything it can to support Wingard during his recovery phase.
"Whilst we know this is a disappointing outcome for Chad, his teammates, and the wider Hawthorn family, what we do know is Chad is a man of great resilience, and we will continue to support him on his road to full recovery post surgery," McCartney said.
