MIDFIELDER Alex Woodward says he is grateful Hawthorn showed faith in him by re-selecting him in Friday’s Rookie Draft.
The 22-year-old ball magnet, who is currently working his way back to full fitness after sustaining a third ACL injury last season, was delisted at season’s end.
But the Hawks ensured Woodward would remain part of the brown and gold family, using pick 52 to re-draft him.
“With the communication with the club and my management, it was a fair chance that I was going to get picked up by Hawthorn,” Woodward said.
“I’m just grateful that the club’s put the faith in me again.
“I look forward to having another crack at hopefully playing some more footy next season, and I’m pretty excited to be representing the club again next season.
“It’s a massive relief to get it over and done with and focus on my recovery.”
Woodward has played two AFL matches, making his debut in 2014, the same year he won the VFL’s JJ Liston Trophy as the competition’s best and fairest player.
He was on track to produce arguably an even better season in 2015.
Woodward averaged 27.6 disposals for VFL affiliate Box Hill Hawks in his first ten games of the season, before injury struck. It was the third time his right knee had required a reconstruction, after previous injuries in early 2012 and early 2013.
But a strong period of recovery has Woodward confident he is heading in the right direction.
“I started running this week, which is good for me, but I haven’t put any timeline or pressure on it (the recovery process),” he said.
“The first stage of recovery was a bit slow, but we took our time with it, which was fine by me.
“The club encouraged me to take some time off (after the season). I really worked hard over the off-season for a good month, so that block was about me getting myself right for the running component of pre-season.
“I’m feeling good, the body’s good and the mindset’s obviously prepared as well.”
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