Hawthorn midfielder Harry Morrison taken to hospital after nasty injury during training

The gun midfielder had blood streaming from his face when he left the field.

The promising 25-year-old copped a stray elbow to his face during contact drills and there were concerns about his teeth and lips.

With the towel soaked in blood, Morrison was taken to hospital under the supervision of Hawthorn doctor Liam West.

7NEWS AFL reporter Mitch Cleary says Morrison will likely need surgery.

After playing 21 games last year, Morrison only managed 13 this year to take his career tally to 91.

Meanwhile, key forward Mitch Lewis and emerging superstar Changkuoth Jiath returned to full training after injuries ruined their 2023 season.

practice Aspetar to make sure his injury troubles are well and truly behind him.

Back after a one-year stint with Brisbane, veteran forward Jack Gunston continues to train away from the main group, and he has been joined by fellow premiership hero Luke Breust.

Recruit Mabior Chol suffered a PCL injury when playing for Gold Coast in the VFL grand final and is also not quite ready for full training.

Hawthorn are hoping to climb up the ladder next year following a slow decline under master coach Alastair Clarkson.

They have not appeared in the finals since 2018 and in 2022 they began a hard rebuild under new coach and club icon Sam Mitchell.

After finishing sixth bottom in 2022 they were third last at the end of 2023, but showed encouraging signs, including a shock win over reigning premier Collingwood in Round 21