Highly-rated Hawthorn ruckman Max Bailey will need another knee reconstruction, continuing the horrible luck that has so far derailed his AFL career.

The 21-year-old had played only 20 minutes of his comeback game on Sunday for VFL affiliate Box Hill, after 17 months on the sidelines, when he fell awkwardly in a marking contest.

Bailey ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft in his right knee in the VFL reserves match and he will see a surgeon later this week to arrange another reconstruction.

This latest surgery will put him out of action until next season.

He originally damaged the ACL in January last year, then needed more surgery early this year to repair some meniscus in the same knee.

The Hawks recruited Bailey in the 2005 national draft and he played four senior games in 2006.

"He's actually a great, great lad - he's got a brilliant way with people and a positive, strong attitude," said Hawks football manager Mark Evans.

"He's a very, very resilient kid and the club is totally committed to giving him every chance."

Meanwhile, the Hawks could have up to five players ready for senior recalls ahead of Saturday's match against North Melbourne at the MCG.

Shane Crawford (knee), Brent Guerra (hamstring), Simon Taylor (knee) and Trent Croad (hip) will undergo fitness tests.

Ben McGlynn will also return from suspension

But their troublesome run with injuries continues, with midfielder Chance Bateman sidelined for two to three weeks.

Bateman suffered a hamstring injury in Saturday night's four-point win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Vice-captain Luke Hodge is another Hawk to have suffered a hamstring injury this year, but team-mate Tim Clarke did not think a worrying injury trend is unfolding at the ladder-leading club.

"Obviously you never want to have too many hamstrings at a footy club, but we're not too sure what it's down to, I think it's just a situational thing," Clarke said.

"All of them have been different and (involving) different players ... we don't think there's one single factor that's causing it."

While the Hawks lead the competition, injury and suspension mean they are yet to put their best team on the field so far this season.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP