Hawthorn midfielder Chance Bateman could miss up to six weeks of AFL action after suffering a high-grade sprain to his right ankle.

Bateman injured the ankle during the first quarter of Sunday's win over the Western Bulldogs.

Bateman, 29, was subbed from the match at quarter-time and replaced by Luke Breust.

Hawthorn general manager of football operations Mark Evans said scans taken on Monday had revealed the extent of the damage to Bateman's ankle.

"He's got a high-grade ankle sprain, so he's going to miss some weeks, maybe up to four to six," Evans said.

"It could be quicker than that, but given we're right smack bang in the middle of the season, we'll respect that and he'll be ready when he's ready.

"But he won't play this week."

The third-placed Hawks play Fremantle at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP