Star midfielder Brad Sewell and ruckman Simon Taylor will miss the start of the home and away season after suffering broken bones in a 40-point loss to North Melbourne.

Hawthorn yesterday confirmed Sewell had a broken collarbone and Taylor a broken leg.

The Hawks were non-committal about the extent of the injuries as they left Eureka Stadium.

Each player was taken to hospital during the NAB Challenge played in front of almost 5000 people.

North Melbourne dominated from the outset, 12.11 (83) to 6.7 (43).

Ballarat should have provided a homecoming to savour for Sewell.

Sadly, the appearance could hardly have provided a worse outcome for the former Newlyn and North Ballarat Rebels player.

He broke the collarbone in a first-quarter incident and returned to the ground post-match with his right arm in a sling.

Hawthorn revealed yesterday that scans had confirmed the break and he would miss the start of the season.

Taylor will be out for four months.

Has was stretchered from the ground early in the second quarter with what was initially believed to be an ankle injury.

Taylor had a plate inserted to repair a fractured fibula yesterday.

Doctors have advised the Hawks it will be two months until Taylor can resume activity and it will be around four months until he will be available to play again.

The Sewell and Taylor setbacks come just days after boom recruit Shaun Burgoyne strained a hamstring.

North Melbourne had only minor injury concerns from the practice match with Ed Lower heading to the rooms early with ankle trouble, while Gavin Urquhart played out the game with his left knee strapped after suffering a knock in the first quarter.