Reigning AFL premiers Hawthorn will attempt to turn their focus to football on Thursday, when they train at Waverley Park ahead of a crunch clash with Sydney.

The Hawks have been shocked by a recurrence of Jarryd Roughead’s melanoma, which teammate and close friend Jordan Lewis described as “extremely serious” earlier this week.

Much-loved forward Roughead will be on the sidelines indefinitely, with the club only concerned about finalising his best form of treatment.

Lewis told Fox Footy it will be hard for players to put concerns about Roughead’s health to one side but that is exactly what they must do against the Swans at the MCG on Friday night.

“As harsh as it is, you’ve just got to move on in a way. I think Roughy would want that,” Lewis said.

“What has happened has happened and we’ve just got to beat it.”

It is unclear whether Roughead will be at Thursday’s training session or what role he will play at the club in 2016.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson is set to front the press before training starts.

Football manager Chris Fagan asked fans to respect Roughead’s privacy and his wish for it to be business as usual this week.

Instead of a special tribute at the MCG, Fagan called on supporters to leave a message on the club website.

The notes will be collated in a book and presented to Roughead.

“Jarryd is a man of little fuss and is incredibly humbled by the many suggestions that have been flowing in with regards to ways for fans to show support,” Fagan said.

“We feel this (book) is the perfect way to gather the many well wishes flowing in for Jarryd.

“It’s a great opportunity for everyone in the footy world to get around Roughy and look after him and his family.”