Few players have shown the level of resilience across their career that Brendan Whitecross has.
After being selected with Pick 29 in the 2007 national draft, Whitecross toiled away with Box Hill throughout his first season in the brown and gold before making his senior debut in Round 1 2009 against Geelong.
Over the next four years, the Queenslander raced away to play 72 games and, as he entered the 2012 finals series, he looked on the cusp of his first Grand Final berth, after missing the chance in 2008.
Read: Whitecross and Lovell depart
But in the opening four minutes of the qualifying final, in a seemingly stock-standard one-on-one contest with Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell, Whitecross fell to the ground in clear distress.
As his side went on to advance to that Grand Final berth, a 22-year-old Whitecross was left facing a 12-month stint on the sidelines after he was diagnosed with a ruptured ACL.
But, ever-determined, Whitecross made his way back into the AFL line-up by the end of June the following year, more than two months short of the typical ACL recovery.
As Hawthorn finished minor premiers, Whitecross strung the next 12 games together and a fairytale beckoned for the 183cm utility.
But in the final quarter of the Hawks’ preliminary final win over Geelong, an attempted tackle turned disastrous as his same knee again suffered the same fate.
Whitecross was forced to watch from the sidelines, as his teammates went on to win the Grand Final over Fremantle a week later.
Despite this immense hardship, Whitecross never let this adversity get the better of him.
He shot to favouritism with teammates, coaches and fans alike for his strength and resolve throughout moments when others may have given up or been swallowed up in their own self-pity.
Over the ensuing five seasons following that 2013 preliminary final, Whitecross managed just 27 senior games as injury persistently inhibited any sense of momentum or consistency.
Throughout that time, the now 28-year-old had interest from other clubs but ultimately remained firm with his commitment to the brown and gold.
Even as selection became an impediment from adding to his senior games tally, Whitecross was repeatedly praised for his commitment to the cause.
Hawthorn GM - Football Graham Wright said it best when he described ‘Whitey’ as an “amazing clubman”, with his “great resilience and determination in the face of adversity” two things that he will be remembered for.
Box Hill coach Chris Newman was also in constant admiration of Whitecross this year for his willingness to put the team before himself, playing any role that was asked of him to best serve the side.
Fortunately, Whitecross’ last memory in the brown and gold is a happy one: winning the VFL premiership.
Whitecross leaves Hawthorn a life member, having played 111 games for the club.
