INJURY-PRONE Hawthorn forward Tim Boyle ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee playing for the Hawks’ VFL side on Sunday.

Boyle only managed six games last year with various hip and groin injuries keeping him out of the action.

Hawthorn’s general manager of football operations Mark Evans said Boyle was playing well for the Box Hill Hawks against Werribee on Sunday when he went down injured.

“Tim had kicked four goals and fell awkwardly to the ground after taking a mark at the start of the fourth quarter,” Evans said.

“The injury is terribly disappointing for Tim who was in good form and making solid progress towards returning to the Hawthorn line-up,” Evans said.

Boyle will rest at home over the next few days to reduce the swelling to his knee and will consult a surgeon later in the week.