AFL premiership favourites Hawthorn have confirmed Brendan Whitecross has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Whitecross sustained the injury early in Friday night’s qualifying final win over Collingwood at the MCG, with the injury to wipe him out for the rest of this year and potentially impact on the start of next season.

While backman Brent Guerra (hamstring) is also unlikely to play again this year, Jordan Lewis (hamstring) and Clinton Young (calf) are expected to return for the Hawks’ preliminary final, after missing Friday night’s match with minor injuries.