HAWTHORN ruckman David Hale will miss the Hawks' NAB Cup opener after rolling his ankle at training on Monday morning.

The club said the injury was innocuous and would not require scans, but the 27-year-old would sit out Friday night's matches to ensure a safe recovery.

Hale played 20 games and booted 19 goals for the Hawks last season, his first in brown and gold after crossing from North Melbourne at the end of 2010.

Hawthorn takes on Richmond and the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium in round one of the pre-season competition.

Mark Macgugan covers Hawks news for AFL.com.au and hawthornfc.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_MarkM.