Hawthorn’s depleted backline could be further weakened if Josh Gibson is handed an AFL ban for his high hit on Brisbane’s Michael Close.

Gibson’s forearm made contact with Close’s head during the third quarter of Saturday’s round-one clash at Launceston, which the Hawks won by 48 points.

A versatile 189cm defender, Gibson played in Hawthorn’s 2013 premiership side and won the club’s best and fairest award.

Hawthorn already have injured pair Ryan Schoenmakers and Ben Stratton and suspended fullback Brian Lake unavailable for Friday night’s round two clash with in-form Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

A behind-the-play incident in which Brisbane midfielder Tom Rockliff made contact with Hawthorn’s Sam Mitchell is also expected to be assessed on Monday.