Champion Hawthorn AFL forward Jarryd Roughead will be sidelined indefinitely after he suffered a recurrence of melanoma.
Roughead missed two games last season after he had a melanoma removed from his lower lip.
The 29-year-old four-time premiership star will undergo a biopsy to determine the best form of treatment.
“Jarryd went for a regular check-up yesterday and unfortunately a recurrence of melanoma was detected,” Hawks football chief Chris Fagan said.
“The positive is that it’s been picked up early and Jarryd is in the best hands possible.”
The club has not set a timeline for Roughead’s return to the field.
“Jarryd’s health is the most important issue at this time,” Fagan said.
“His long-term playing future is very much secondary to that and is not even a consideration at this point in time.
“This is a private medical matter and we would ask everyone to respect Jarryd and his family’s request for privacy during this time.”
Roughead hasn’t featured for the Hawks this season after he underwent knee surgery in February.
The veteran of 231 matches was making good progress in his recovery from the knee injury, having returned to training early this month.
In his absence, the Hawks have won six of their first eight matches to sit sixth on the ladder ahead of Friday night’s big MCG match against Sydney.
Sami
Roar Rookie
His career ain't over yet.
Sami
Roar Rookie
Yes they do just come back. That's why it's called remission.
Hikikomori
Guest
Its not the first time, cancers dont just come back which is very worrying
Bfc
Guest
Bro, that is a 'low act' comment....
jacques from Lilydale
Guest
Can't believe the news Rough, cant believe we'll never see you in Brown and Gold again. Why does it always happen to the good blokes? Whatever the outcome, what ever happens, I've loved watching you play, four premierships speaks volumes for your talent. Like Peter Crimmins all those years ago, they will do it for you this year. God bless mate.
paulywalnuts
Guest
Nice to see support and positivity but this is not good. I'm no expert but from what I'd imagine Jarryd's in for a period of aggressive treatment. If so, he's 29 now and I'd be staggered to see him back out on the park, but that's a trifling concern in the scheme of things. Good luck Roughie.
joe b
Guest
Absolutely. Highlights the importance of keeping a close eye on any changes in moles, freckles etc and consult your doctor if you notice anything. All the best Roughy, hope to see you on the field again before too long.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
well said Hazza
While we're at it
Guest
I'll take a fit and well Roughy over a premiership, hands down. Terrible news but Roughy will meet it head on and beat it, thinking of you and yours big guy.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Another one of those things you hear in footy newsland that offers a bit of perspective. Hopefully he has a complete and speedy recovery and is back out on the park kicking goals sooner rather than later.
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
All the best, to anyone and everyone that may have cancer.
AB
Guest
Go well Roughie. Champion player and champion bloke.
Mango Jack
Guest
Very worrying news for Big Rough. I'm sure everyone in the game wishes him the best.
Penster
Guest
Gut wrenching for him and everyone who adores Roughy. Footy is not the same without Big Rough on the park. Hope he recovers from this terrible condition and has a long, happy life.
ken
Guest
Get well roughy ,,footy is nothing compared to your health..Take care mate
Paul D
Roar Guru
Particularly given all those rangas Vossy recruited up in Brisbane...and the Irish Hanleys! It's a ticking timebomb I tells ya
XI
Roar Guru
I'm amazed that he's the only player in recent time to suffer from melanoma considering its prevalence in this country and the amount of time footballers spend in the sun. Here's hoping he recovers well.
Wilson
Roar Guru
Hope he gets better. He will be sadly missed from the Hawks lineup but fingers cross that he gets better and comes back better and stronger.
Don Freo
Guest
He is definitely my favourite Hawk. Good bloke. Don't you love that modern medicine can detect things so early? He'll be back
D Fitz
Roar Rookie
Probably means Hawthorn will not be premiers this year.