Hawthorn key defender Sam Frost ruled out for season in huge blow for Hawks’ premiership tilt

Hawthorn have suffered a devastating injury blow with key defender Sam Frost ruled out for the rest of their promising finals campaign. The 31-year-old played out the Hawks’ elimination final victory over Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Friday night but developed discomfort in his foot following the 37-point win. Scans revealed a bone stress injury, with Frost to be sidelined for the rest of September after featuring in every game across the 2024 season. “Unfortunately, the scans have confirmed that Sam has a bone stress injury in his foot, and given his specific injury, he will not be able to take any further part in our 2024 finals campaign,” Hawthorn Head Doctor Liam West said. “Sam will spend the next period offloading in a moon boot whilst we continue to assess him to determine a more accurate recovery timeline.” It’s a huge blow for the Hawks, with a side lacking depth in their key defensive stocks. The club are set to bring in West Coast star Tom Barrass and St Kilda backman Josh Battle through the trade and free agency period but they will have to look within their ranks for the rest of their campaign. Former top 10 pick and WA product Denver Grainger-Barras has not played a senior game this season but could be called upon as Hawthorn travel to Adelaide Oval to face Port Adelaide in a do-or-die semifinal. Jai Serong, the youngest brother of Fremantle star Caleb, is the more likely choice given his form at VFL level, while Ethan Phillips - who played his sole game this season against the Power - is another lever Sam Mitchell could pull.