Scans today confirmed the opinion of Club medical staff that Hawks defender Matt Suckling hasruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee and will require a reconstruction.

Suckling will consult with a specialist in coming days and will undergo a traditional knee reconstruction.

Scans also showed he sustained little additional damage to the knee so the Hawks defender can expect a good outcome from reconstructive surgery and a solid rehabilitation program.

Hawthorn General Manager – Football Operations Mark Evans said that while Suckling is naturally disappointed, the young Hawk remains upbeat.

“It's obviously a devastating thing to happen to Matt on the eve of the season, but his attitude will be to throw himself into his rehab program and come back a stronger player from this,” Evans said.