Hawthorn defender Blake Hardwick will spend up to three months on the sidelines with a ruptured pectoral muscle.

The injury will require surgery and is a huge blow for the Hawks, with Hardwick becoming an integral member of their back six over the past three years.

The 23-year-old played every game in 2018 and 2019 and secured top-five finishes in the club’s best-and-fairest award in both years.

The Hawks confirmed the injury news on Monday afternoon.

“Unfortunately, Dimma (Hardwick) collided with another player in a contest in our most recent game against the Saints and he has ruptured his pectoral muscle,” Hawthorn physical performance manager Luke Boyd said.

“He requires surgery and that will likely be a 12-week injury.”

Hawthorn take on Melbourne in their final pre-season hit-out in Launceston on Friday night, with prolific midfielder Tom Mitchell set to play a full game.

The 2018 Brownlow Medallist, who missed all of last season with a broken leg, sat out of last week’s practice match against St Kilda.

“Given he hadn’t played footy for 12 months, we thought it was best for him to have a week off and absorb the game load,” Boyd said.

“He will look to play a full game this week. He is going well.”

Hawthorn ruckman Ben McEvoy is also expected to play against Melbourne after recovering well from a badly corked thigh.

It is the Hawks’ final hit-out before their round one game against Brisbane at the MCG on March 22.

Jack Gunston (ankle) and Dan Howe (foot) remain in doubt for that match.