The Gold Coast Suns are awaiting scan results on Tiwi star Daniel Rioli after the star defender suffered a jaw injury during Friday night's loss to Hawthorn.
Rioli was taken from the field during the second quarter at People First Stadium after a collision with Hawks utility Josh Weddle.
The three-time Richmond premiership player had just released a handball on the wing when he was met by Weddle, who appeared to brace for contact.
Rioli did not return to the field after the incident, leaving the Suns without one of their most important players for the rest of the match.
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick was generally tight-lipped post-match, but admitted that Rioli would likely face a stint on the sidelines.
"He's gone for scans," Hardwick said.
"He'll miss some time - we'll let the doctors give the update on that."
Weddle has been handed a three-match ban over the incident, with the collision graded as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said he had not seen the collision before speaking to media after the game.
"I legitimately haven't seen it," Mitchell said.
"Rioli was out of the game after that, so thoughts with him, but I haven't seen it and hope for the best."
The injury came during a tough night for Gold Coast, who suffered a fourth consecutive loss.
Hawthorn won 17.11 (113) to 14.13 (97), with the victory lifting the Hawks to third spot on the AFL ladder.
The Suns remained competitive for large parts of the match, but Hawthorn had enough answers late to secure an important win on the road.
Rioli has been a key player for Gold Coast since joining the club from Richmond.
The 29-year-old has brought premiership experience, run and composure to the Suns' backline and reuniting with Hardwick at the Suns.
His injury adds another concern for a Gold Coast side trying to stay in touch with the top eight after a difficult month of football.
Despite the result, the Suns will take some positives from the performance of fellow Indigenous rebounding defender Joel Jeffrey.
The talented Territorian produced a career-high 33 disposals and gave the Suns plenty of drive from defence.
Ben Long also played his best game of the season, finishing with 20 disposals and an equal game-high four goals.
Hawthorn also had injury concerns of its own, with Karl Amon dealing with a knee issue and Jarman Impey leaving the field before half-time with a hamstring concern.
Mitchell said Impey had been in strong form before the setback.
"He's a powerful athlete and probably on track for a first All-Australian, but he came off with a hamstring, so time will tell, hopefully it's cramp," Mitchell said.
