Star ruckman Ben McEvoy could miss several weeks in a major blow to Hawthorn's push for an AFL finals return.
McEvoy was taken to hospital on Saturday night with a suspected cheekbone fracture and could need surgery.
He was contesting a ground ball in the last quarter of the 63-point win over the Western Bulldogs when he had an accidental head clash with opponent Josh Dunkley.
McEvoy was high among the Hawks' best before the incident and has enjoyed a strong season, with last week's loss to GWS one of his few quiet games.
"I don't think we can fudge anything with this one - I think he has a fracture of the cheekbone," coach Alastair Clarkson said.
"If that's the case, he'll probably require surgery and miss whatever weeks are required to get that fixed.
"We don't really know the severity of it - albeit when the doc says you'd better jump in an ambulance ... I'd suggest he's going to miss some games."
McEvoy's absence will be felt immediately, with Clarkson noting Brisbane ruckman Stefan Martin had another solid game earlier on Saturday in their win over Carlton.
Hawthorn, who are in a mid-premiership ladder log jam, will host the Lions next Saturday in Launceston.
"By and large, he's been really, really good for us (over) the best part of 18 months to two years," Clarkson said of McEvoy.
"We'll miss him a bit. ... we'll find someone else to come in and play that role for us as best they can.
"It's going to be a bit job, because it's Stef Martin, who always gets left out of calcuations, somehow, in terms of All Australian status.
"Everyone speaks about Maxy (Gawn) and Brodie Grundy and these guys, but they forget about this guy."
The Hawks kicked 19.8 against the Bulldogs, their highest score this season, with Luke Breust's six goals equalling his career-best haul.
Captain Jarryd Roughead, who starred in the third term when they took control, and Jack Gunston kicked four apiece.
Bulldogs Jason Johannisen starred in the first half, but was subdued after the main break.
Clarkson said it was a case of making sure Johannisen had to play on an opponent.
"Once we were able to even up those numbers, it's wasn't so much there was a player who was set aside, he just had to be accountable for an opponent," Clarkson said.
"That helped swing the game our way."
Clarkson also praised Hawthorn's midfielders for their work around stoppages.
"The Western Bulldogs are a very, very clever side - and have been for some time - at controlling the ball around a contest, especially that bumbling ball," he said.
"We tackled them really strongly and it was pleasing we were able to get some sort of ascendancy in that area of the game."
