Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has been warned to prepare for a "difficult discussion" in grand final week - if the Hawks get there - around injured forward Calsher Dear.
Dear has been ruled out of the Hawks' semi-final against Adelaide on Friday night with a "low to moderate" hamstring strain.
The 20-year-old sustained the injury in Saturday's thrilling elimination final win over GWS.
Mitchell conceded the outlook is "not great" for Dear but the door is not yet closed on him returning to play a role in the Hawks' flag bid this season.
"He'll be unavailable this week and the medical guys sort of say, 'Come grand final you could have a difficult discussion'," Mitchell said on Fox Footy.
"But he certainly won't be available this week so most of the focus goes into Friday night for us.
"Calsh will not be able to help us on-field but he'll still be part of what we're doing and preparation and making sure that he can help us off-field."
Dear starred in his debut season but missed the start of 2025 with a back stress fracture and has managed just nine senior appearances this year.
His latest injury setback could lead to a recall for fellow tall forward Mitch Lewis, who was dropped for the elimination final.
Lewis responded by kicking four goals for the Hawks' VFL affiliate Box Hill in their semi-final win over the Brisbane Lions.
"Mitch played really well, kicked four and had a fair bit of impact on the game," Mitchell said.
"So we'll have some discussions in the next couple of days on selection.
"It takes a squad. It's rare that anyone goes in unchanged throughout all their finals.
"That will be one forced (change) at least."
