Hawthorn star Jarryd Roughead has been ruled out of football indefinitely after a melanoma was removed from his lip.

Fairfax broke the news on Thursday, with the 28-year-old now waiting for results of further pathology tests.

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Roughead reportedly spotted a lesion on his lip and after it did not improve, informed the club’s doctors, who referred him to a specialist.

Hawthorn players, coaches and staff were told of the news on Thursday morning.

The club’s general manager of football operations, Chris Fagan, told Fairfax Media: “He sent a photo around of himself last night with a bit of a thumbs up.

“Obviously when these things happen it’s a bit worrying, but he handled the whole thing well and has had good support around him from family, friends and the footy club.”

“Our only concern has been his wellbeing and his health.”

It is unclear how long Roughead, a triple-premiership player at Hawthorn, will be sidelined for.

The Hawks play Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.