Bomber forward Mark Williams will have surgery on his injured ankle next week and will miss the rest of the 2010 season.
Football operations manager Paul Hamilton said the club had decided to act following medical advice.
""We have reached the conclusion that the time is right for Mark to have surgery and that will happen next week,"" Hamilton said.
""He will have his ankle operated on and will then undergo a period of rehabilitation.
""Having surgery now will allow him to be fit and firing and ready to go on day one of pre-season training.""
The veteran of 115 AFL games - including the 2008 Premiership with Hawthorn - has played just four games with the Bombers after being traded to Windy Hill with pick 24 in exchange for Essendon's picks 16.
""This injury happened fairly early in the season and has limited his impact over a period of time,"" Hamilton said.
""While we could manage the injury and have him play more games this year, we think it's best that he has the operation now and starts his recovery for the pre-season.""
Hamilton said 27-year-old would be a major addition to the Bombers' forward line next season once his body is back to its best.
""We believe a fit and healthy Mark Williams can be a very important player to the club in the 2011 season,"" he said.
