HAWTHORN youngster Zac Webster is set to miss the next six to eight weeks with a quad injury.
Webster, who was making his NAB Challenge debut in Thursday's match against Carlton, injured himself in the warm-up and did not make it onto the field.
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan said it was a disappointing blow for the 20-year-old, who has endured a tough run with injuries in recent times.
"Zac injured himself in the warm-up, with his final kick out on the ground," Fagan said.
"We believed it to be a minor injury - he was still able to run, but couldn't generate power with his kicking.
"As a precaution, our medical staff decided not to play him.
"As it turns out, the injury was a lot more serious than we first thought. The scans have revealed Webby has a significant quad strain, which looks like keeping him out for about six to eight weeks."
After being restricted by hamstring injuries in 2015, the exciting forward-midfielder had been a standout pre-season performer for the Hawks.
He was set to debut in his home state, Tasmania, in front of friends and family, in the Hawks' 21-point win against the Blues.
"Zac had about 35 people travelling up from Hobart to watch, so it's really disappointing that he wasn't able to get out there," Fagan said.
"But he's bounced back from injury before, and we're sure he'll do all the right things with his rehab and bounce back again this time."