Shock diagnosis could see Hawthorn’s Dylan Moore out for AFL Round 1

Will Day is also set to miss the match against Essendon as he recovers from a stress fracture in his foot. 

Hawthorn’s injury trouble has gone from bad to worse after forward Dylan Moore was diagnosed with glandular fever on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has been ruled out for at least a month, meaning he will likely miss the Hawks’ AFL Round 1 matchup against Essendon on March 16. 

Shock diagnosis leaves Moore sidelined

Dylan Moore was withdrawn from the squad list for an intra club training match on Wednesday after showing signs of illness. After being reviewed by club doctor’s Moore was diagnosed with glandular fever. 

Glandular fever–a viral infection also known as mononucleosis (mono) or Epstein-Barr virus–is a flu-like illness noted for causing intense fatigue, sore throat, and swollen glands in the neck. Any one of those things can stop a top athlete from performing. 

Unfortunately for Moore, glandular fever is not an illness most people get over quickly. Some people take months to get over it. Lingering symptoms can last even longer. Thankfully though, Moore is a healthy young man, and the club expects him to be back relatively soon. 

Club doctor is optimistic about Moore’s quick return

According to Hawthorn Head Doctor Liam West, Moore could be back to his best in less than a month. With that being said, the club are planning on taking a “cautious approach with Moore’s recovery,” given the severity of the illness. 

“We will ensure Dylan is managed safely according to his symptoms over the next few weeks before we map out his return to play timeline,” said West. 

“We don’t want to rush Dylan back, but we are hopeful he can bounce back quickly and return to training in the lead up to the start of the season.”

Moore, Day, and other Hawks news

Moore is not the only Hawthorn player who could potentially miss the Hawks’ AFL Round 1 match against Essendon on March 16. 

Hawks’ star Will Day will definitely miss the club’s season opener. The midfielder is expected to be on the sidelines for a long while longer as he recovers from a stress fracture in his foot. The club have put no timeline on his recovery. 

Moore, who is typically a forward, was expected to slot in as a midfielder with Day out. Now with them both gone, youngsters like Henry Hustwaite or Cam Mackenzie are expected to get a chance to prove themselves as senior players in Hawks’ midfield. 

In more positive Hawthorn Hawks news, the club have just announced that they have signed promising 19-year-old Josh Weddle to a new contract after his impressive debut campaign in 2023 where he was named the club's Most Promising Player.