The stats

AFL games: 9

Disposals per game: 17.3

Marks: 6.4

Kicks: 8.1

Tackles: 2.1

Goals: 2

Review

It was a resurgent season for Brendan Whitecross, who was able to put a solid body of AFL games together in the latter part of the season after missing extended periods in previous years with injury.

After building his form through the VFL in the first half of the season, he received and AFL call up for Hawthorn’s Round 17 clash against the Sydney Swans and didn’t look back, playing every game at AFL level for the rest of the year.

Having missed Hawthorn’s 2013 and 2014 premierships with knee injuries, Hawk fans were able to see the best of Whitecross at AFL level once again.

His toughness in the contest and cleanliness with ball in hand was a highlight – a 23-disposal game against North Melbourne and a 22-disposal effort against Geelong in the qualifying final showed that Whitecross has begun to get back into the swing of playing senior football.

Although the Hawks narrowly lost against the Cats, it was an important game for the luckless utility, who triggered a new deal to stay at Waverley in 2017.

With that new contract under his belt, Whitecross will be looking to be a permanent fixture in Hawthorn’s AFL side next year.

A word from: Brett Ratten

“Whitey took a while to get into the team, playing as a half forward, supporting the midfield at times and down back at times.

“His versatility was terrific and he showed how hungry he was and in a contested ball situation he’s very good at putting his head over the ball and winning the footy.

“Having him back in the team gives us great flexibility and his ball use was very good through the season as well.”