Hawks defender out for season, journeyman a chance for recall

Sam Frost will miss the rest of the season due to injury

HAWTHORN has been dealt a massive blow ahead of Friday night's semi-final against Port Adelaide with key defender Sam Frost ruled out for the rest of the season.

The 31-year-old suffered a bone stress injury in Friday night's elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs.Subsequent scans over the weekend revealed the extent of the injury, with further investigation required to determine an accurate recovery time.

With James Blanck rupturing his ACL in February, Frost has become a crucial figure in the Hawks' rise from 0-5 to the final six in 2024.

The former Greater Western Sydney and Melbourne backman has played every game this season, triggering a contract extension for next season.

Now Sam Mitchell will need to rejig his back six ahead of the trip to South Australia this week.

Jai Serong has been considered the next cab off the rank and been in strong form for Box Hill at VFL level, but Ethan Phillips is more of a like-for-like option.