Croad to miss up to six weeks

Sportal ©

Hawthorn fans can breathe a sigh of relief after scans confirmed on Thursday that star defender Trent Croad will not require surgery to the wrist he injured in Sunday evening's match against Melbourne.

Although Croad's damaged wrist ligaments will be left to heal on their own without surgical intervention, the 2005 All-Australian centre-half-back will still be sidelined for between 4-6 weeks.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury after falling heavily when he tackled Demons skipper David Neitz just four minutes into the Round 1 contest.

Croad has become an integral part of the Hawks' backline and has transformed himself from a maligned utility into one of the most reliable backmen in the AFL.

Since debuting in 1998, he has played 203 senior matches - 38 of which occurred while playing for Fremantle in 2002 and 2003 - for a return of 189 goals.