Promising Hawthorn ruckman Max Bailey has suffered a season-ending knee injury during a routine training drill.

The 18-year-old Bailey was carried off the ground after colliding with a teammate.

Scans later confirmed he had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and would require a reconstruction.

"Max is an exciting young player and the club was looking forward to seeing him progress in 2007 in ruck support to Robert Campbell and Simon Taylor," said Hawthorn's general manager of football operations Mark Evans.

"As unfortunate as this is for Max, it will give some of the young developing ruckmen an opportunity to play senior football during the year."

Bailey made his senior debut late in 2006, playing four AFL games in his debut year.

He was selected at No.18 by the Hawks in the 2005 national draft.

Hawthorn's No.1 rucking position is up for grabs following Peter Everitt's departure to Sydney.

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