Luckless Hawthorn ruckman Max Bailey has again succumbed to injury, with a wrist problem to sideline the big man for the start of the AFL season.

The 25-year-old experienced soreness after the Hawks’ big win over Melbourne on Saturday night and will have an operation.

The club was uncertain how long Bailey would have to spend on the sidelines.

It is the latest blow for a player who is at the start of his seventh season on Hawthorn’s list, but has played just 22 AFL games.

He played 16 of those last year, finally getting a decent run, having endured three knee reconstructions during the first five years of his career.

Bailey had played all of the Hawks’ pre-season games so far this year and his absence for some of the home and season will be a major blow.

It is likely to mean David Hale, who starred in attack with six goals against the Demons, will have to carry the brunt of the ruck load.