Three-time AFL defending premiers Hawthorn have suffered a major blow, with Jarryd Roughead to miss half the season.

The Hawks announced on Sunday that Roughead needs knee surgery and will be out for four to five months.

Roughead, a four-time Hawthorn premiership player, missed two games last season because of skin cancer treatment.

“We found out this morning that Jarryd requires a PCL reconstruction, which means that he’s not going to be available to play until somewhere in the middle of the season,” said Hawks football manager Chris Fagan.

“That’s a fair stint out, somewhere between four to five months.

“He’s actually had a PCL injury for a long time, but in the past if its got a little bit sore he just has a day off and it clears up and he continues to train and play.”