Hawthorn Captain Emily Bates is set to face an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a SC shoulder joint injury on Thursday night.

The incident occurred in the final minutes of the Round 7 clash with Geelong, before Bates was sent for scans over the weekend.

Further consultation on Monday confirmed the diagnosis of an injury to her sternoclavicular joint.

High Performance Manager Aaron Kellett said the club will take the time to determine Bates’ return to play timeline.

“Given the nature of the sternoclavicular joint injury, Emily will not play this week against Fremantle,” Kellett said.

“Our medical team is now investigating the best course of action for Emily moving forward, and we will provide further updates in due course.”